Algonquin Seeks Proposals for Relocation, Rehab of Historic Downtown Home

Submission by the village of Algonquin

The village of Algonquin is accepting proposals for the purchase, relocation, and rehabilitation of the historic Franke House, currently located at 103 W. Algonquin Road, at the southwest corner of Route 62 (Algonquin Road) and S. Harrison Street, in downtown Algonquin, Illinois.

Interested parties are encouraged to submit proposals to take ownership of, relocate, restore and preserve this historic Algonquin home. The property was acquired as part of a larger redevelopment area as featured in the Village’s Downtown Study and TIF Plan.

Other structures on nearby properties have also been acquired, but demolished because they were too far neglected to save. This home is in fair condition, but must be moved to accommodate future redevelopment of the property.

The home was constructed in 1911 by Christ Franke, an Algonquin business man and carpenter. Christ Franke built a number of homes & buildings in Algonquin and had a number of businesses including Franke Lumber & Coal. Franke used the home as his own residence, and was later purchased by the Zange family. The Zange family lived in the residence and the large garage was the home of Zange Decorating & Painting for some 50 years, then in the 1980’s the home was converted to an artist studio, then later a psychic reader occupied the building.

The house is a 2-1/2 story American “Four Square” design in the prairie style, with 5 bedrooms and measuring nearly 4000 square feet. The home features a hipped roof, four dormers, and a two-story bay window on the east elevation. The home also has leaded glass windows and oak trim.

Proposal are due no later than April 30. The Request for Proposals is on the Village website at www.algonquin.org (go to the Business tab and pull down Bids & RFP’s), or questions can be directed to Russell Farnum, Community Development Director, or Ben Mason, Senior Planner. The village’s phone number is 847-658-2700.