ABOUT
Upon returning to Independence, Iowa after serving in the Civil War, Daniel S. Lee and his wife Fannie decided to build their home “east of Independence” on 5 acres of land they had purchased for $120.00 The architect designed their home in the “Italianate style with square form and symmetrical proportions”. It included 4 chimneys and a stunning belvedere. Plumbing and electricity were not part of construction. The year was 1867
In 1917 (50 years later): The property became home to Peoples Hospital, the first hospital in Independence. Over the years, many remodels and changes occurred in how it was used. It has been empty since the 1990s when the hospital deeded the property back to Buchanan County.
In 2010: The Lee Mansion was placed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
In 2016 (150 years since construction!): After a 5 year/$500,00 plus project to redo the Wapsipinicon Mill roof , the Historical Society has shifted focus to renovation of the Lee Mansion. All of the services in the building were outdated and had to be removed, all new plumbing,electrical and heating will need to be installed. The west windows will soon be installed opening up those four rooms to sunlight for the first time in decades.
2017: The renovation wish list includes installation of electrical wiring throughout AFTER the west windows are installed, attic insulation, plumbing to include restroom facilities and kitchen, heating, and wall/ceiling/floor restoration. Each step of the process is funding dependent. We also seek “to get as much done as we can with minimal expense” through partnerships and organized work days.
2017 and beyond: The long term goal includes rehabilitating the Lee Mansion as a living museum, office space, and venue for local meetings and events. The renovated house, beautiful Victorian gardens, and grounds shaded by oak trees that are over 100 years old will become a significant attraction in Independence.
In 1917 (50 years later): The property became home to Peoples Hospital, the first hospital in Independence. Over the years, many remodels and changes occurred in how it was used. It has been empty since the 1990s when the hospital deeded the property back to Buchanan County.
In 2010: The Lee Mansion was placed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
In 2016 (150 years since construction!): After a 5 year/$500,00 plus project to redo the Wapsipinicon Mill roof , the Historical Society has shifted focus to renovation of the Lee Mansion. All of the services in the building were outdated and had to be removed, all new plumbing,electrical and heating will need to be installed. The west windows will soon be installed opening up those four rooms to sunlight for the first time in decades.
2017: The renovation wish list includes installation of electrical wiring throughout AFTER the west windows are installed, attic insulation, plumbing to include restroom facilities and kitchen, heating, and wall/ceiling/floor restoration. Each step of the process is funding dependent. We also seek “to get as much done as we can with minimal expense” through partnerships and organized work days.
2017 and beyond: The long term goal includes rehabilitating the Lee Mansion as a living museum, office space, and venue for local meetings and events. The renovated house, beautiful Victorian gardens, and grounds shaded by oak trees that are over 100 years old will become a significant attraction in Independence.