Feeling inspired? If you want to save an old house but don’t have the time or money to do it yourself, here are three alternatives.
Form an LLC
Before they found it, Vic and Cindy Young’s house was marked for demolition by the Ripley town council. In response, resident Phil White asked for a 30-day reprieve, then recruited 10 of his friends and neighbors to form a limited liability company, or LLC. This allowed them to pool their money and purchase the house from a local landlord, perform the necessary repairs, then sell it to the Youngs. LLC members are only liable for the amount of money invested in the business. So if someone were injured while replacing the roof, Phil and his crew could be sued only for the amount they paid for the property. Forming an LLC is relatively easy. Just file the formal paperwork (the fee is $100 to $800, depending on where you live), create an operating agreement establishing each member’s rights and responsibilities, and obtain any required licenses and permits.
Phil White had been watching the house deteriorate for years. As reported in This Old House Magazine, “Phil White always figured the old house on the hill was in trouble. For years he drove by the abandoned property, grimacing at its flaking paint and overgrown yard, a forest of weeds and poison ivy.” Built in the 1840s, the house had witnessed much of Ripley, Ohio’s history—located just down the hill from abolitionist Rev. John Rankin’s house, a National Historic Landmark, it had probably seen its share of runaway slaves making their way across the river to safety on the Underground Railroad. White formed the 436 Preservation Group LLC to save it.
The house that the LLC rescued was no small project. According to This Old House Magazine, the property had stood abandoned for decades, but its bones told the story of a onetime boomtown. Its 2,200 square feet encompassed three large rooms off a grand center hall downstairs, with a winding staircase leading to two ample bedrooms upstairs. Around a century ago, the house had been carved up into apartments—but as Vic Young recalled of first seeing it, “It looked so forlorn up there on the hill. There were more majestic houses to be found, but this one spoke to both of us.”
Hit the Library
Some local research or a chat with the town historian might reveal why a house threatened with demolition is worth saving. Maybe it was home to a notable resident or part of the Underground Railroad. If so, you’ll have a strong case to present to the community and local planning commission as to why the house should be spared. Contact the local press if you find anything interesting. An article might build more community support.
Pro Tip: Lauren Glant, a house historian based in Brooklyn, N.Y., recommends publicizing your curiosity, because “neighbors and older community members will come out of the woodwork to tell you bits and pieces about your home’s history.” Once you know an owner’s name, she suggests searching genealogical Internet sites for more information.
Form Coalitions
It’s hard to save an endangered property all by yourself, so finding allies is important. The best ones to seek out are members of historic preservation agencies, which can contribute their experience and resources. But there are other parties who might be interested in your cause. For example, if the demolition of a house involves redevelopment that might have an impact on environmentally sensitive areas, get an environmental nonprofit involved. If it affects car or foot access to local businesses, ask the chamber of commerce for support. And if there’s a threat it will hinder parking or the quality of life in a particular area, a local neighborhood group might want to jump on board.
National organizations can be powerful allies, too. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, which has long partnered with This Old House on rescue efforts, maintains an annual list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Places to spotlight threatened sites. As Dwight Young, a trust spokesperson, explains: “Our role is to help people realize the diversity, richness, and fragility of America’s heritage.”
Want to see photos from this group’s restoration? Click here to read Saved! Italianate Before and After
