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The Plan for Restoration

Project Background:

     In 1972 through the efforts of Senator Sam Vadalebene, the Illinois State Legislature approved a bill designed to restore the Stephenson Home and name it a State Historic Site to be opened to the public.  Though the bill was passed, it was subsequently vetoed by the Governor.

     In limbo for a number of years, the house was eventually purchased by the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.  At that time, it was converted to a fraternity house.  Over the years, they found that this 180-year-old home no longer served their needs and began looking for a larger facility and for an appropriate buyer.

     With the support of Senator Evelyn Bowles, the Edwardsville Historic Presevation Commission and the State Historic Preservation Agency, the State of Illinois appropriated $500,000 to purchase and restore the Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House in 1998.  In 1999, the home was sold to the City of Edwardsville for $150,000.

Development of an Historic Structures Report:

     Realizing that the house was one of the city's most important historical structures, the Historic Preservation Commission put together a plan for its restoration and use.  There were a number of steps addressed.  The City hired restoration architects Jack Luer Associates of St. Louis to:

1. Conduct a Historic Structures Report (completed).

2. Choose a significant period for restoration based on the completed research data.

3. Develop a set of architectural plans for the restoration project (completed).

4. Supervise the restoration of the building.

All restoration work must be approved by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.   Realizing that the $500,000 state grant would not be sufficient for the entire restoration project, the project was divided into four phases.  Each phase will be completed as funds are raised.

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An example of a kitchen form the 1820s.  Proof of an attched summer kitchen, simialar to this, was discovered  in the process of developing the Historic Structures Report.
Phase I Restoration Work in Progress

     To date bids have been let for Phase I totalling $328,000.  Phase I work, which is divided into the following four parts, is in progress.

  • stabilization; demolition; shoring; interior and exterior masonry restoration; installation of period windows; and shingled roof
  • removal of lead-based exterior paint; restoration of exterior brick; reconstruction of back porch; reconstruction of brick service area; reconstruction of summer kitchen, smoke house, garden shed, kitchen garden; and exterior painting
  • the interior- plumbing, heating, air conditiong, security, electricity, plaster, flooring. stripping of and re-installation of millwork; and reconstruction of the 1820 main staircase.
  • interior painting and acquisition of furnishings.

     Costs associated with this project are high given the nature and quality of workmanship required.

Friends of Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House • 409 South Buchanan, P.O. Box 754 • Edwardsville, Illinois 62025• 618-692-1818• Email: stephensonhouse@sbcglobal.net

  
 
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