Florissant nonprofit seeking union help to restore historic home

Florissant, MO – Historic Florissant is looking for union volunteers to help restore the historic Reeb House. The structure was damaged in February by a fire that caused extensive damage to the historic 1870 home, one of the last remaining 19^th Century French-style homes in the area.

The fire occurred on Feb. 20, 2023. The Florissant Valley Fire Department responded and was able to save all but the back portion of the house. Upon investigation it was discovered a renter had set the fire, and they were charged with arson. No one was injured but home sustained extensive damage due to the fire, smoke, and water.

HISTORY
Antoine Reeb was one of Florissant’s first French immigrants. He was a successful carpenter and built four houses on one block of land.  Two of those homes remain on St. Charles Street. The Reeb house is historically significant as it was built by a French immigrant and it is one of two homes in the historic district with a mansard roof. This French building style is only seen on the brick Douglas House on St. Francois Street and on the wood frame Reeb House.

PURCHASE DEPENDENT ON RESTORATION
The current owner of the Reeb House is understandably upset with the circumstances. At this point in his life, he is not able to restore the home to its original state. He has offered to sell the house to Historic Florissant for $1 with the understanding the home will be restored.  If by chance Historic Florissant, Inc. (HFI) cannot save the French house, it will be demolished.

Before Historic Florissant, Inc. can purchase the property, they must acquire community support by way of in-kind donations of labor.

Historic Florissant is a non-profit organization working to preserve, protect and restore historic properties in the Florissant area. With limited funds available, fundraising efforts and grant writing efforts will soon begin. Funding will be used for cost of materials only. Restoration efforts will be published unless contractors do not want to be publicly recognized.

Anyone interested in donating services or funds to help save the historic home should contact Historic Florissant, Inc. at 314-565-1468 or send donations to: Historic Florissant, Inc., 1067 Dunn Road, Florissant, Mo. 63031. Historic Florissant is a 501 (c) 3 and all donations are tax deductible.