ALTOONA, Iowa – An Altoona organization is fighting to keep a historical house from becoming a commercial property.

The Altoona Area Historical Society says the Haines House, at 202 2nd St SE, is the most historically significant home in town. It was built by Thomas Haines in the 1800s and was later bought by Dr. Carpenter.

Last week the city’s planning and zoning committee denied a rezoning request that would have allowed a real estate firm to move their offices into the home. Next week, the Historical Society hopes that the city council also takes their side to keep the home historical

“So we really want to make sure that this home is preserved for future generations without anyone going in and chopping it up and destroying the historic integrity of this home,” said Alex Payne, President of the Altoona Area Historical Society. “So we are asking that the city council really take, really understand the history and importance of this home and make sure that this stays residential.”

The Altoona City Council will meet on October 7th and the rezoning request for the house is expected to be voted on.

The Altoona Area Historical Society started an online petition to help save the house, you can view the petition here.