Committee members began discussing the idea a couple of months ago after learning that construction on a new church would soon begin on the land where the house stands on Nichols Sawmill.

“I think everyone in the community wants to save it because of the historical value of it,” said 4A Economic Development Corporation president and 4B member Jonny Williams. “Nobody wants to see the yellow house torn down.”

Williams said he believes the home was originally built in the 1800s.

He added that the council has “the same feeling that we do, as far as wanting to save it.”

However, legally, because the removal costs exceed $10,000, the council had to consider and approve the plan twice during city council meetings.

Williams said officials have considered turning the home into a visitor’s center for Unity Park, among other things.

Williams estimated the cost to move the house being around $23,000, with the new location for the house being at either Unity Park or Commerce Street.

“There will be some other expenses associated with it, you’ll still have to remodel it,” Williams said. “Once we move it, we will get bids to fix things that were wrong.”

The house was donated to the city by Magnolia Bible Church, which will soon begin constructing a new building on the 10 acres the home currently sits on.

Williams said the project is moving forward and once a required 60-day period with a public hearing has passed, the house should be re-located.

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