ST. PAUL, Minn. - Residents in St. Paul are coming together to try and save one of the oldest houses left in the city.
The one-story home was built by carpenter John Lewis in 1856—two years before Minnesota became a state. Located at 412 Goodrich Avenue, it's referred to as the John Lewis House.
"Over the years it's been probably not as well cared for as it should be. It was a rental property for decades and fell into disrepair by the previous owner and was threatened with demolition due to its poor condition," explained Tom Brock, co-founder of the Little Bohemia Neighborhood Association and president of Historic Saint Paul.
The 800-square-foot home has been vacant since the end of 2015. It was in danger of being demolished in the summer of 2017.
"When the neighborhood realized that the house was threatened, we got in contact with the previous owner who agreed to donate it to Historic Saint Paul, that will serve as the project manager in its rehabilitation and work with the neighborhood to raise the funds needed to save it," Brock said.
The Little Bohemia Neighborhood Association and Historic Saint Paul have been working together to raise the needed funds. So far the "Save 412 Goodrich" campaign has raised about $25,000. They still need more than $55,000 to rehabilitate the house. Money raised covers the difference between the total cost of development and the expected sale price of the house.
"It needs a substantial amount of work... All new utilities need to be installed, in addition to a new foundation," Brock said.
They hope to start building in the fall.
Brock said, "I think when the time comes when we're able to walk down our street and see this home rehabilitated, restored, and occupied by new residents, that it'll be very rewarding."
A neighborhood fundraiser is set for Thursday, June 21 at Bad Weather Brewing Company at 414 7th Street West in St. Paul. The suggested donation is $20. The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. and includes a live auction.
You can find more information on the Save 412 Goodrich Facebook page or on Historic Saint Paul's website.
If you can't make the event, you can also donate to the project online.