An historic building in Independence has a new owner and a chance to be restored, offering new life to a long-neglected piece of the city’s past.

 

The building at the corner of Park and Locust Streets known as the Girl Scout House, has been around almost as long as the City of Independence itself. The structure was originally built in 1872 by the Church of the Epiphany and eventually ended up as the meeting place for local Girl Scouts. The building sustained serious damage in the flood of 2007 and was added to the list of structures condemned by the City last spring. A movement began to save the well-known landmark. Among those looking to save the Girl Scout House was Historic Preservation & Resource Commission member Ken Brown. At this week's Commission meeting, Brown reported on the status of the building. He says a local woman has purchased the building.

 

Brown says, despite the flood, the building is still in salvageable condition.

 

Plans for the structure include moving the building to an adjacent lot and rotating the front door so that it faces Park Street.