Bethel Lutheran Church hopes to move the historic Steensland House, at 315 N. Carroll St., to 124 E. Gorham St.
The church wants to move the house, which currently sits on the edge of its parking lot, to make way for a $12 million community center.
Church officials have been shopping all year for a place to move the house, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. But there aren't many vacant lots within the Mansion Hill Historic District.
Two possibilities have emerged. The church's first choice is the property at 124 E. Gorham owned by Apex Property Management.
Says Bill White, an attorney representing the church, "We'd like to make sure it gets into good hands. And [the Gorham site] is close by. The trip would only be two blocks."
Another idea, moving the house to James Madison Park, is on the backburner for now, White says.
Bruce Bosben, owner of Apex Property Management, says, "It's a really cool house and would be a good thing for that site." No deal has yet been struck between the church and Apex, but Bosben adds, "Even if we strike a deal, if the city doesn't go for it, we don't get the house."
Ald. Bridget Maniaci, whose district includes the new site, hopes making a deal won't be difficult. "I don't think this should be a fight. Everyone should want to find a home for the house."
