Historic House in Marion is Literally Moving

Last week we posted pictures of something you don't see every day, a house on wheels!

The red brick building has been quietly sitting at 5th Avenue and 11th Street in Marion for decades. But that's where the new Public Library is to be built, so today is moving day for the old home.

The city of Marion has been working with Goodwin House Movers to relocate this historic house that dates back to the 1800's.

Today's Gazette reports that this house (and a second adjacent home that will also be relocated later this month) are owned by the city of Marion. The house moving project has faced various delays including the most recent 2020 curve ball, the Derecho.

Now things are really moving for Joe Hill, a Cedar Rapids native who has big plans to preserve and renovate the two buildings. The Gazette describes Joe as a private business owner who plans to develop the houses into Carriage Corner, a 19-unit apartment complex to be located on 4th Avenue and 9th Street in Marion. The second house is scheduled to be moved on September 28.