That House Ain't Got No Home...For Now

A Lincoln-era house in Springfield, Illinois, has found itself literally "out on the street" this past month. Thankfully, it is on wheels, but even then, a house is not a home until it's got some ground to sit on.

The Maisenbacher House is sitting there because of a battle between the city council and mayor Timothy Davlin. The council has already approved $115,000 to move it, but rightfully balked when Davlin requested another $822,000 to build a foundation for it. THAT IS A BIT HIGH!!!! They also rejected a scaled-back request for $279,000. After the happenings this past week, one has to wonder whether the illustrious governor was somehow involved.

THE HISTORY

The house dates to the 1850s and historians believe it was built partly with a $650 loan from Abraham Lincoln. The brick Italianate home is one of about 100 Lincoln-era homes still standing in Springfield and of note, is very little changed in appearance from then. According to Springfield Journal Register archives, the first owner, Isaac Lindsay had it built from 1855 to 1856.

It became necessary to move from 1028 South Seventh Street to 503 South Seventh because of Springfield Clinic's expansion. The clinic bought the Maisenbacher property in September 2007 for $190,000 prompting the fear of a parking lot construction. This October, the council declared an emergency and approved an agreement to move it.

The Lewis Home at 503 South Seventh Street was not deemed as historical and demolished last week to make way for the Maisenbacher house. A federal grant of $55,000 and a tax-increment finance of $60,000 was enacted for the demolition of the Lewis house with $32,000 of that going for the construction of a new foundation. This is a much more reasonable cost.

From Dec. 3rd Daily Herald and Nov. 11th Springfield Journal Register.

More to Come. It Ain't Over Till It's Over. --RoadDog