Recently I have had the privilege of being involved in the preservation of two historic homes in the Saugatuck, Michigan area. I didn't get paid for finding new locations for these homes but have the joy of being able to see the homes lovingly removed from a location where for one reason or another they could not longer remain.
One if these just pulled out down Blue Star Highway today or at least the bottom half of it. 
On the left is the lower portion of the home as it goes to its new location. the building on the right is our Coldwell Banker office. This portion of the home is the bottom half of a well maintained farm house about 135 years old on its way to Glenn. Cost to move the home was under $100,000 and everyone involved is glad we were able to save it. Home had to be sliced in half because we have antiquated overhead electrical lines. Every line that has to be moved costs $200. The cost to go about 7 miles for wired alone amounted to over $46,000. It was less expensive to cut the home into two pieces and reattach at the other end.
The second home I was able to save was a Sears log cabin that was almost 100 years old. It was not winterized and was being moved from Goshorn Lake so that 
a full time residence could take its place. This log home is cute and beautiful. The wood inside had aged so that it had a golden glow. This home was a kit from Sears and so it was just dismantled the same way it had been put together. It will be relocated soon probably to the upper peninsula. 
Saugatuck/Douglas has quite a number of architecturally significant homes. The Historical Society has tours every summer and there are books in the Historical Society regarding the different architectural styles. It is worth the trip here just to look at the architecture. Visit my website at www.mysaugatuck.com for more information on homes in the area. You could own a piece of Paradise. Let me know if you are interested in being on the list to adopt a home. Local realtors are working together to save significant homes. We can do it but we need time, donors, and recipients.
Comments(3)