Bob Wills’ Historic California Home Threatened by Land Developers

King of Western Swing Bob Wills settled in Fresno, Calif. in 1945, but now land developers want to raze the house he delivered his daughter Carolyn in. A debate over what should become of (what's left of) Triple B Ranch seems to just be beginning.

According to KFSN in Fresno, the house was named a historic landmark by the area's Historic Preservation Commission, but Granville Homes has a demolition permit to tear down the house and build 200 new homes over the surrounding area. Wills' house has suffered from neglect in recent years. Pictures show a structure that's boarded up and in bad shape.

"I would see this ending up in court definitely, it deserves to end up in court," Fresno Historical Preservation Commission chairman Don Simmons said. "Developers shouldn't have this much sway over the preservation community."

Jeff Roberts of Granville Homes says if no one buys the house and moves it within 30 days, it will be torn down. The Bakersfield Californian reports that the current owner is willing to sell the house for $1 if someone agrees to move it at no expense to the builder. Simmons says the developer and the city are ignoring the preservation commission's decision, but the HPC is still attempting to get protected status for the house.

Wills sold millions of records during the '40s, '50s and '60s and traveled the world with the Band of Texas Playboys. His hits include 'Steel Guitar Rag' and 'New San Antonio Rose.' The peak of his career came during his time in Fresno, but he only owned the home between 1945 and 1947, according to the Bakersfield Californian. He died at the age of 70 in 1975.