Army Begins Work on 1871 Mansion
Quarters One, the U.S. government's second-largest house after the White House, is officially back in the Army's care. Repairs began this month on the 51-room mansion, located on an island in the Mississippi River between Davenport, Iowa, and Rock Island, Ill.
Built in 1871 on Rock Island Arsenal, the four-story Italianate house was designed by General Thomas Rodman.
Every Arsenal commander since Rodman resided in the Quarters until 2008, when Washington, D.C.-based Federal Development LLC began leasing the house. But after leasing it for two years, the Army has regained operational control of the property.
Joel Himsl, garrison manager of Rock Island Arsenal, says that while Quarters One is in good condition, the work includes "basic cleaning and repairs. ... Our plan is to start with the first floor and work our way up." Restoring the building to mint condition will cost the Army $5 million. However, "we can do a lot for a lot less," Himsl says. "We just inspected the roof. It's in pretty good condition, so we don't need to replace it right now."...
Read entire article at National Trust for Historic Preservation
Built in 1871 on Rock Island Arsenal, the four-story Italianate house was designed by General Thomas Rodman.
Every Arsenal commander since Rodman resided in the Quarters until 2008, when Washington, D.C.-based Federal Development LLC began leasing the house. But after leasing it for two years, the Army has regained operational control of the property.
Joel Himsl, garrison manager of Rock Island Arsenal, says that while Quarters One is in good condition, the work includes "basic cleaning and repairs. ... Our plan is to start with the first floor and work our way up." Restoring the building to mint condition will cost the Army $5 million. However, "we can do a lot for a lot less," Himsl says. "We just inspected the roof. It's in pretty good condition, so we don't need to replace it right now."...