Bethel Lutheran looks to move and restore historic home

The historic Steensland House is heading for a move, albeit a short one.

The Bethel Foundation has approved spending $70,000 to move the worn landmark from its current location at 315 N. Carroll St. to a new location on the same block fronting on West Gorham Street next to the church sanctuary.

Moving the Queen Anne-style Steensland home from the church parking lot to Gorham Street would allow Bethel Lutheran Church to pursue a long-discussed redevelopment of its property. But it will also require the approval of the city Landmarks Commission since the building is both a Madison landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places.

Ald. Mike Verveer has scheduled a neighborhood meeting Wednesday to discuss the move, which has raised some concern among advocates about the impact of future development on Bethels homeless services programs.

Bethel officials are looking at refurbishing the Steensland home both inside and out, a project that is expected to cost up to $800,000. The church is pursuing historic restoration tax credits to cover 40 percent of the eligible costs, with the balance covered by donations already pledged to Bethels capital campaign fund.

Church officials say that moving the 1896 home will immediately free up more parking for the church while also facilitating future development. The home would be restored as a residence for about 10 students, with tenants getting a rent reduction in exchange for volunteer work.

An enhanced image for Bethel can also be expected from a properly placed and restored building, says the latest church newsletter.

The homes original owner Halle Steensland was a member of the Bethel congregation and active in the Progressive movement. Of late, the house has been used largely for storage.

Two years ago, the church had reached a deal with Apex Property Management to take the home and move it about two blocks. But the plan was blocked by the Landmarks Commission, which said the house couldn't be moved until final plans for the Bethel expansion were approved by the city.

Church officials have not offered any new information on the status of their redevelopment, which at one point was estimated at $10 million and was to include new facilities along North Carroll Street.

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Bethel Lutheran looks to move and restore historic home