The City’s historic Miss Belle’s House will be moved from its current temporary location outside the Fire Training Center on East Lookout Drive to a new location at Huffhines Park, at a future date/time to be determined. City staff reported to the City Council Monday that the moving plan was developed with input and approval from a preservation architecture firm, as well as from several community stakeholders including the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Built around 1887 at 206 Sherman St., Miss Belle’s House served as a private school and as a home to several families before it was donated to the City in 1979 and moved to Owens Farm. After the farm was sold, the City moved the house to its current location last year.
The future Huffhines site, on the eastern side of the park, was chosen for its proximity to the home’s current location and the park’s nearby amenities, including restrooms. The move will be funded with a combination of budget savings, philanthropic gifts and grants. The City plans to engage with a wide variety of community partners in utilizing the house for meetings and educational opportunities.
Once cost estimates are refined and a moving timeline is finalized, an update will be given to the City Council later this year.
