c.1875 Illinois George F. Barber Queen Anne $30K – Dr. A.M. Drew House

A rare treasure for the historic home enthusiast, this Illinois George F. Barber  queen anne is ready to shine once again. Famous for signature Victorian flourishes and undeniable curb appeal, this home presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to breathe new life into a iconic structure. Bring your passion, restore its glory, and own a piece of living history.

The structure has been taken down to the original boards, offering a blank canvas to rebuild from the ground up while preserving its 19th-century character.Featuring original framing, tall ceilings, and classic architectural lines, this hone is ideal for a full renovation or historic revival, All major systems need updating–including electrical,plumbing,HVAC, walls and finishes–allowing you to customize everything to today’s standards while honoring the past.

If interested in a property, please contact the realtor whose link is provided in the post below, or contact an agent of your own choosing. Independent verification of details and status is recommended. 

Contact Realtor: Tonya Feller

Google Maps

Niche

To see a couple more pictures of the home, see them here at the Decatur Public Library website.

Pros of Living in Decatur, IL

• Ultra-Affordable Housing: Real estate in Decatur is among the most affordable in the entire nation. Median home values generally sit under $100,000, making homeownership accessible for first-time buyers, investors, or retirees looking to maximize their savings.

   

• Strong Industrial & Corporate Employer Base: The local job market is supported by massive global powerhouses. ADM (which keeps major processing operations here), Caterpillar, Tate & Lyle, and Mueller Co. provide steady engineering, manufacturing, logistics, and skilled-labor careers.

   

• Minimal Traffic & Short Commutes: The city is easy to navigate, with average commute times hovering around 15 minutes.

   

• Lake Decatur & Parks: Lake Decatur offers 30 miles of shoreline for boating, fishing, and watersports, alongside extensive park district facilities, golf courses, and Scovill Zoo.

• Higher Education Presence: Home to Millikin University—a private four-year university—and Richland Community College, which bring cultural events, sports, and educational opportunities to town.

   

Cons of Living in Decatur, IL

• The “Decatur Smell”: Due to large-scale corn and soybean processing plants (ADM and Tate & Lyle) right in town, a distinct food-processing odor frequently hangs over certain parts of the city depending on wind directions.

• High Property Taxes: While homes are inexpensive to purchase, Illinois as a whole carries some of the highest property tax rates in the U.S., which can bite into overall monthly affordability.

• Economic Stagnation & Population Loss: Like many Rust Belt industrial towns, Decatur has seen slow population decline over recent decades, leading to empty storefronts and blight in older neighborhoods.

• Above-Average Crime Rates: Crime rates—particularly property crime and violent crime in specific inner-city pockets—are higher than state and national averages, requiring buyers to be selective about neighborhood choice.

• Public School System Challenges: Decatur Public School District 61 scores below state averages on standardized testing and proficiency metrics, prompting many families to seek private alternatives or move to nearby suburban districts (like Mt. Zion).

• Industrial Environment: Air quality and aesthetic appeal can take a hit near the heavy industrial zones that cut through parts of the city.

2012 Google Map Photo

Family History

This George F. Barber designed-house was built for Dr. Albert Monroe Drew (1849-1925). He married Nancy Bosserman (1856-1923) in 1873 and soon after buuilt this house. The couple lived in the home with their children Lillian, Jennie and John.  Sometime after the Drew family moved out, the home was divided into six apartments.