But now many of them worry that plans to rip out one of Yale Avenue’s oldest homes to make way for a mini mansion could erode the neighborhood’s storybook appeal.

“It is so destructive, and it’s just such a heartache,” said Lisette Gibson, chairwoman of the Yalecrest Community Council. “It’s causing so much friction between neighbors.”

The two-story Tudor, doomed for now, draws attention to a monster-home problem that Salt Lake City has tried for years to solve. Yalecrest, a pioneer in the preservation push, adopted its own guideline five years ago, but residents fear their “compatible infill” ordinance may not offer the protection they hoped.

“We’re disappointed that it doesn’t solve the problem that we thought it had solved,” said Yale Avenue neighbor Nathan Morgan. “Here, the mayor and the planning department are telling us they don’t have the tools.”

Tom Hulbert, a principal of development firm ThomasFox Properties, has applied to Salt Lake City to replace the 2,500 square-foot, 1920s cottage with a 7,000 square-foot home that neighbors say would soar above their abodes. He did not return calls seeking comment on Friday. SEE TOM HULBERTS EXPLANATION HERE IN CITY WEEKLY.

Preliminary plans show the project meets city ordinances — including a 27.5-foot height restriction for Yalecrest area homes — which means the city would have to issue a building permit if the final drawings are consistent, said Salt Lake City spokeswoman Helen Langan.

But Morgan and dozens of his neighbors are rallying against the proposal, shooting e-mails to Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker’s staff and sending a letter to Hulbert, pleading with him to remodel the two-story Tudor with a tasteful addition, instead.

And they could get a last minute stay of demolition. On Monday, the neighbors plan to appeal an “interpretation letter” the city issued Friday, explaining how the city measures the proposed building’s height. Neighbors dispute the height, saying it is too tall to fit Yalecrest’s code.

An appeal to the Salt Lake City Board of Adjustment would stall the project for at least a month, while the city waits for a board ruling before issuing any permits. The board’s next meeting is May 18.

“That’s a real victory to these homeowners and this community,” said Salt Lake City Councilman J.T. Martin, who said razing the Yale home would be a “tragic loss.”

Councilwoman Jill Remington Love said the issue draws attention to the fact that the city’s monster-home ordinance is “not working.” The capital, she said, needs to finish and adopt a citywide preservation plan, which is presently in draft form.

“What we know from that plan is Yalecrest is the highest priority. We should address it right away,” Love said.

But, she added, “it’s going to be too late for this house.”

Rosemary Winters