MUSKEGON, Mich. — Muskegon lumber baron Charles Nelson built the Nelson House in 1869. Now you have the chance to own this piece of history. It’s for sale and the city is looking for someone to call it home.
“There's definitely a level of craftsmanship that just doesn't put itself into new construction these days,” said City Planner Jamie Pesch.
From the original banister to a room with ornate wood panels still on the wall, the Nelson House has a lot to offer.
‘It's very impressive. It works on a level that you really only see in the former mansions of Muskegon,” said Pesch.
The house is now at 382 West Muskegon Ave. but that was not always the case. The city moved the house in July to avoid it being demolished.
“You end up with a house that has a character that is completely unique and one that really can't be replicated feasibly today,” said Pesch.
This wasn’t the first time the house was relocated; it was moved on logs to make way for Hackley Park.
Pesch said, “In the late 1890s the house found itself in the way of a major public improvement project.”
Now the city is looking for a new owner to live in the house and restore it to its former glory.
“We're looking for the person that is best qualified to handle the rehab of this house and do the work that needs to be done to occupy it,” said Pesch.
Muskegon is currently accepting bids on the house, saying there is no minimum bid.
“We really want to make sure that we're not just picking the highest bidder but the best person or persons for the house,” said Pesch.
The city says filling an empty lot with this historic home that will be owner occupied is a win for the neighborhood.
“We want somebody who's really serious about not only just restoring the house but living in it at the end of the day,” said Pesch.
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