HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The fate of a historic Hendersonville home remains in limbo.

The Bradford-Berry House was built in 1795 by a Revolutionary War soldier. For over a decade, the historic landmark has been deteriorating without a concrete restoration plan.

The house is located directly behind Hendersonville City Hall along Main Street. The city took ownership of the land two years ago, but restrictions on the land’s deed have hampered any effort to improve the property.

Meanwhile, seemingly everything around the home is being developed. But one city leader is determined to find a path towards restoration.

“There’s lots of different pieces of life that have been here, started here, or hailed from here,” Hendersonville Ward 1 Alderman Mark Burgdorf. “This is a piece of America.”

Burgdorf has personal ties to the property: He and his wife were good friends with the couple who last lived in the house.

“We had dinners here; the kids would play here," Burgdorf said. "We had Christmas parties here! Many members of the community have utilized, recognized this home."

Burgdorf is a history buff, someone who considers historic homes his "jam." He called the Bradford-Berry house a "living link" to the city’s beginning; a symbol that deserves their attention.

“We, as the community in Hendersonville, need to have something to draw us; we all need to belong somewhere. And I think this is a good start at the Bradford-Berry House,” Burgdorf told News 2.

Burgdorf established a 501(c)(3), the Bradford-Berry Preservation Society, back when the city first gained ownership of the land.

He admitted that he’s not sure just how much repairs would cost, but he’s confident their community could find a way to pull it off.

“I don’t see this as a monumental task," Burgdorf said. "I believe it can be done rather quickly, and under budget, that’s what I like to say."

Hendersonville city officials are still working to have the restrictions on the land removed. There is optimism it will be resolved, at some point, and Burgdorf already has a vision for how they could transform the property.

“My dream is for it be an [agriculture] tech center, where the technology of the 1790s would be on full display. If you come onto the property, step back into 1794 and you would see what life was like,” Burgdorf said.

To help their efforts, the Bradford-Berry Preservation Society has launched a website where people can donate or learn more information. To view that page, follow this link.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/a-living-link-to-hendersonvilles-past-the-bradford-berry-house-awaits-new-life/