After nearly a year of revitalization of this historic home, the Fitzgerald House is complete and nearly open to the public.
LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) — The historic Fitzgerald House on Columbia and 8th streets has been completely restored. Now, the owner is opening the house to the public.
As News 18 previously reported, the mid-1800’s home was originally on the verge of demolition.
“A lot of us assumed this was the end of the house, that we would lose this building,” Historic Preservationist, Sean Lutes said. “But in the 11th hour, we were able to find a solution.”
In November, Tabitha Casto bought the home, and began the revitalization process with the help of Blackbird House.
Lutes said the original owners used to host extravagant parties and balls inside the home. The new owner, Tabitha Casto, said she wants to carry on the tradition.
“The original people who built it had elaborate balls and parties here, so I think it would be kind of cool to give that to the community and let people see how beautiful it actually is,” Casto said.
The co-owners of Blackbird House, Savannah Crow and Erin Lucas, said the goal of the remodel was to keep as much of the original house as possible. They retained the original brick wall, original trimming, the stain glass windows, and more.
“It was magical. I don’t think there’s another word for it,” Crow said.
“To see it like this is very surreal, but it’s super cool,” Lucas added.
Lutes said restoring the mid-1800’s home is symbolic of the turnaround of Lafayette Historic Preservation.
“This is something many of us did not think was going to happen. Even myself at times assumed that this was a lost cause,” said Lutes. “So to be able to save this place is a big deal for us.”
On September 21, Casto is hosting a grand opening for people to come see the house from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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