Historic Kilbourne-Mead House Moved and Restored in Old Town Lansing

Preserving Lansing’s Past: The Remarkable Rescue of the Kilbourne-Mead House

This blog post explores an extraordinary architectural project in Lansing, Michigan. A local entrepreneur and his husband are working to save and repurpose the historic Kilbourne-Mead House.

Facing imminent demolition, this 1847 Greek Revival gem is Lansing’s oldest standing structure. The house is being carefully moved and restored.

Plans include transforming it into a vibrant Airbnb and community hub. This effort highlights the importance of preservation and adaptive reuse in urban development.

A Historic Beacon’s Second Chance

The story of the Kilbourne-Mead House is about architectural heritage nearly lost, and the determined vision of passionate individuals. Built in 1847, this Greek Revival residence is Lansing’s oldest standing structure.

The need to preserve it is urgent. The original clay mortar foundation has suffered from decades of moisture, termite damage, and neglect.

This critical deterioration requires immediate action. Relocating the house is necessary to ensure its survival.

The Ambitious Relocation and Restoration Plan

Local entrepreneur Bradly Rakowski and his husband, Lansing city clerk Chris Swope, have undertaken this monumental task. Their acquisition of the 1214 Center St. property last year for a symbolic $1 from Michigan Community Capital marked the first crucial step.

The plan is to carefully lift and move the approximately 4,000-square-foot house one block north to 1314 Center St. This is a property they already own.

This intricate operation will be executed

 
Here is the source article for this story: Sharing Lansing’s past: Historic home to be moved, restored in Old Town