The former home of Luverne's Al and Marge Christensen on North Blue Mound Avenue was sold Thursday, Feb. 28, to the highest bidder for $22,000.
Scot and Cherry Schnoor, Rushmore, are the new owners and plan to move the house 27 miles to an acreage near Rushmore. The couple, who have two small children, plan to restore the house to its original historic specifications.
"I'm in the business," said Scot, who owns Rushmore Quality Woodworking. "I'll reproduce its original look." That means tearing out existing woodwork and replacing with new.
The Luverne Economic Development Authority purchased the property in the mid-1990s for the purpose of subdividing lots in the Evergreen Addition, which has grown around the acreage.
LEDA advertised for bids, specifying the buyer needs to have the house moved off the property by July 1. LEDA received seven sealed bids ranging from $1 to $5,000. LEDA director Tony Chladek opened the bids in Council Chambers Thursday, Feb. 28, and then invited participating bidders to increase their offers. That prompted 57 up-bids before Schnoor emerged the new owner at $22,000.
Al and Marge lived in the house since they were married in 1945. Al grew up in the house since his father, Jasper Christensen, purchased it in 1924. At that time Al was 9 years old, and the nearest cluster of residential homes was on Barck Street, which aligns with Roundwind Avenue between Human Services and Tri-State Insurance.
Al died in October 2000, and Marge has since moved to Sioux Falls.