NORMAL, Ill. (AP) — A century-old mansion in the central Illinois town of Normal that’s been a popular wedding location is under consideration as a local historic landmark.
The (Bloomington) Pantagraph reports the Normal planning board and city council will consider the designation for Broadview Mansion.
The mansion was left to the Immanuel Bible Foundation by Margaret Van Leer. The foundation once ran a music lending library for churches, but hit financial difficulties during the recession. The foundation’s board considered selling the property.
The Normal City Council stepped in, providing money for upkeep in exchange for the right to buy the property for an amount that decreases incrementally over the years. The historic designation will provide some protection for the mansion, which was designed by Paul O. Moratz, one of Normal’s best-known architects.
