The Board of Directors for the White Plains House in Algood is considering a path forward for the future of the historic home.
UCDD Historic Preservation Planner Mark Dudney said the board is considering adding the home to Tennessee’s list of historic sites, which would transfer ownership to the state while allowing Algood and the Friends of the White Plains House to remain involved. Dudney said the partnership may be the best option moving forward.
“It’s an old house, and it is going to continue to need work,” Dudney said. “If it’s maintained, then when it does need work, it won’t be as big of an ask.”
Dudney said it would be a shame to see the property be sold and then bulldozed. Dudney said he believes the city and the board of directors both want to preserve the White Plains House.
“What we tell communities at the Development District is to find that thing that makes you unique and sets you apart,” Dudney said. “I like how Algood has maintained it’s identity. White Plains is central to it’s idnetity.”
Dudney said the board has applied for two grants that will hopefully ease the financial burden of repairing the floor. Dudney said these grants would be a temporary solution.
“Those are not givens that I will get either one of them,” Dudney said. “I hope that we do, but basically we are pulling out all the stops to try to do what we can.”
Dudney said the city and the board of directors are still open-minded to different options to help preserve White Plains House.
The house is currently closed because of major floor damage.