SARGENT ROAD NATURE HOUSE
7851 Sargent Road
Established in 2020, SRNH is owned by the Sargent Road Association and is intended to serve as a community center to support our dual missions to preserve the valley's natural beauty and enhance the well-being of area residents*.
SRNH will function as headquarters for the Sargent Road Association and the Mud Creek Conservancy.
It is a site for meetings to do the business of neighbors and host elected representatives and other officials for us to advocate on behalf of the community.
Social and educational events will bring neighbors together in a positive and enriching atmosphere.
*SRA is currently raising funds for the purchase and to make improvements through our Capital Campaign. A part of our plan is to apply for re-zoning this property to a designation consistent with our intended use.
In late 2020, Sargent Road Association began negotiations with the property owner at 7851 Sargent Road to purchase the unique structure and adjoining 4.67 acres of land which abuts the future Sargent Road Nature Park. Originally built as a real estate office in the Geist area near 79th Street and Fall Creek Road, the unique house is most likely a “Topsider” prefabricated home that was dismantled, moved, and reassembled at its current location in 1995 to be used as a residence. The 1,882 square foot house is composed of two 360° round “pods” that are joined together by a bridge and raised above grade on two concrete pillars. With large windows on every side, the views from within are remarkable and showcase the natural beauty of the Mud Creek corridor.
In December 2020, the Sargent Road Association established 7851 Corporation, LLC as a subsidiary to oversee this project and bring it to fruition. 7851 Corporation is subject to guidance by the Sargent Road Association Board and charged to act in a manner consistent with its Mission. Private donors provided generous donations to allow 7851 Corporation to lease the property from the owner while purchase agreement details were worked out, keeping the property off the market and ensuring it was maintained in good condition by SRA volunteers. After thorough inspections, an appraisal, and much negotiation, 7851 Corporation successfully received a signed contract purchase agreement for the property in February of 2022!
With its strategic location next to the Sargent Road Nature Park and its natural setting, the structure and acreage represent a unique opportunity to expand not only the footprint of the Park, but also to add value and utility. Currently designated as a residence, in the future the structure could provide office space, educational facilities, interactive nature experiences, and small event space.
One goal of the project is to place the land under a conservation easement, adding to the acreage managed as such by the Mud Creek Conservancy, while allowing limited use in a manner consistent with the long-term preservation of its natural character. In addition, the structure will be stabilized, maintained, and improved in a way that will service any function in support of the ongoing activities of the SRA, especially those related to the preservation of the area’s natural character.
Having been used as a rental property, the Nature House was in need of interior renovations upon purchase.
History of SRNH
HOW WILL THE SARGENT ROAD NATURE HOUSE BE USED?
Plans are still in development for the Nature House, which will ideally serve as a headquarters for Sargent Road Association, the Mud Creek Conservancy, and the Sargent Road Nature Park, providing office, education, and small event space for them and possibly other like-minded organizations. In October 2021 SRA held an Open House at the Nature House, inviting members, neighbors, and the community at large to participate in a Visioning Session; this resulted in great feedback and some exciting ideas for how the Nature House can best serve the community. As renovations continue and funds are secured, SRA will begin to implement the best and most feasible of those ideas.
WHAT ARE THE PLANS FOR FUNDING THE NATURE HOUSE?
It is the intention of SRA that the Nature House should become and remain self-funding. Fundraising strategies are being formulated now for the cost of the property and structure, for major repairs and improvements, and ongoing maintenance and expenses. To date, over $45,000 has been raised towards the initial purchase price, monthly expenses, and repairs from our generous donors and partners, completing Phase I of the project which was to secure a contract to purchase the property.
Phase II is now underway; interior and exterior renovations and repairs to make the structure more user-friendly.
HOW CAN PEOPLE HELP WITH THIS PROJECT?
Currently, we are fundraising much-needed deck replacement. This project is set to start in September 2022, replacing the front deck, redesigning and replacing the entry stairs, and building a screen wall to provide hidden utility storage behind the stairs. The total bid for this project has come in at just over $26,000 and we welcome your donations to help cover this cost - every dollar makes a difference!
Not only are financial contributions needed, but also your volunteer efforts, donations-in-kind, and expertise. There will be many opportunities to help us bring this unique project to life! We’d love to have your help!
Ready to make a donation to help us achieve our goal?
Use the donate button below to make an online contribution now!
Thank you for your support!
There are many items needed to make the Nature House a functional office and meeting space, and we welcome donations of all kinds. See our Wish List for current needs at the Nature House, and if you can help with any of these items, please contact us to make arrangements! We thank you for your generosity and support of this once-in-a-generation opportunity to develop and preserve this unique structure and woodland!
