CEDAR RAPIDS – A home built in 1894 by Bohemian immigrants in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is nearing the finish line.

Destined for demolition, the house was moved several blocks to 1425 Fifth Ave. SE, and rehabbed over the course of more than a year by members of Save CR Heritage, with the help of volunteers, donors and contractor partners.

Background on the “Frankie House”

Though cosmetically in poor condition when Save CR Heritage began the project, the “bones” of the structure were solid, with intact architectural features, such as gingerbread trim and fish-scale siding on the exterior and original interior doors, pine floors and woodwork.

Save CR Heritage hopes the home will serve as an example of the numerous benefits of preserving historic structures.

The project is using state historic tax credits, a vital component in not only retaining this piece of architectural history, but in making the project financially viable, diverting large amounts of waste out of the landfill and keeping the home on the city’s tax rolls. Extensive documentation of “before” and “after” images and historical research were included in that process. Some of those photos are below.

An open house is scheduled for Saturday, April 15, 2017, from 1-4 p.m.