John Brown house: A long-shot chance for survival

The Bloomington City Council on Monday approved a plan to delay demolition of an 1865 farmhouse until the owners and the city's historical society see whether the building qualifies for the National Register of Historic Places.

The house, built by Civil War veteran John Brown and on Bloomington's list of top historic properties, was cited for peeling paint this summer by the city. Estimates to abate lead paint, repaint the house and repair part of the roof totaled $90,000. Owner Bethany International, a missionary college, asked the city for permission to raze the home, with college officials saying they wanted to push a discussion with the city about the building's future.

Although one city official told the council on Monday that the building's chances of getting on the national register are "slim and none," the council unanimously agreed to give Bethany and the Bloomington Historical Society until April 1 to try to get the house recognized.

If the house doesn't make it, Bethany will have permission to demolish the building.

--MARY JANE SMETANKA