The Harwood-Solon House at 503 S. State Street is one of the most historic structures in Champaign County. Built in the 1860s and first occupied by Abel Harwood, the house was more notably owned by the Solon family for nearly 90 years.The Italianate-style home has been owned by the Preservation and Conservation Asscoation (PACA) of Champaign County since 2005 who has been restoring the structure gradually with historic preservation grants from the State.
On June 4, PACA board members gave staff of the Planning and Develoment Department a tour of the home to see the completed work and to understand the extent of work yet to be finished. To date, work completed by PACA has concentrated on stabilizing the home’s foundation, roof replacement, and rebuilding the porch structure around the house. Most of the exterior work is expected to be completed this summer.
Extensive renovation is still necessary for the interior of the home. It is the intent o PACA to eventually sell the property to someone with the ability to complete the renovation and reuse it for residential or potentially office use. Property covenants have been established by PACA to ensure the historic integrity of the home is preserved with any future renovation.
