June 7, 2023 – The historic Powers Mansion has sold to the highest bidder after an online foreclosure auction fetched $301,750.00 for the troubled property.
The property was initially on the market for a little over $130,000.00, before going to auction with a starting bid of $49,000. The winning bid of $301,750.00 does not include transaction costs, or the expected $10,000 yearly property taxes.
The property was sold at auction to IGBY Ministries of Decatur, which hopes to use the home as a headquarters and film studio. But there is a hurdle to that plan. The house is currently occupied by squatters who have refused entry to the home, barricaded the drive, and posted numerous “No Trespassing” signs.
Zach Drew, the founder of IGBY Ministries, said the organization operates a 501(c)3 and hopes to restore the home to its former glory by raising funds through donations. The funds, he says, will be used to help with legal fees for the eviction process, restoration needs and to expand the ministry.
“I am so grateful for the outpouring of support already from people who love Decatur as much as I do. We already have two generous benefactors willing to match up to $55,000 to go toward renovations” said Drew in a statement.
The Powers Mansion was built in 1909 by Charles Powers, whose Orlando Hotel was named after his father Orlando Powers, one of three Powers brothers who were early business entrepreneurs and social leaders of the Decatur community in the decades after its founding. By the time that the Mueller and Staley enterprises were gaining traction in the early 20th Century, the Powers family represented the “old money” in Decatur.
The three-story Greek Revival house covers more than 7,700 square feet set on 1 ½ acres. The front drive is a sweeping curve that leads to a copper-clad porch with thirty-foot stone columns and a balcony. Inside, there are 13 rooms including 7 bedrooms.
“My parents bought and restored the Staley Mansion about 15 years ago. I was blessed to be able to live there for a few years before that historic house was sold back to the Staley Family and turned into the Staley Museum that serves our community today,” Drew added. “It is an honor to now be able to do my part for this great community by restoring the Powers-Jarvis Mansion.”
Drew said if the community would like to support the venture, they can call their toll-free number at: 888-459-5727 or CLICK HERE.
