Tuesday, October 09, 2007

Raney House plans still undecided in Buckeye

[Source: Kelly Carr, Arizona Republic] -- City officials have committed $1.8 million to restore the Nels Benson/Raney House. But the historic structure still does not have what it needs most - a plan. In July 2006, the town paid about $40,000 to move the 115-year-old house to a town-owned lot on Monroe Avenue. For the past 14 months, the Raney House has sat downtown on a rented platform, while officials debate its fate. Town employees have been working on exactly where the Raney House should go and a schedule for renovation. Officials have discussed several options and held a public meeting to get residents' ideas. But so far, no concrete plan has come before the council. Officials say it could cost at least $1.5 million to bring the house up to code. That amount does not include another $80,000 to $100,000 to set the home on a foundation or costs associated with moving the house again, an option that town officials are considering. [Note: To read the full article, click here.]