TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – A famous Vigo County home welcomed visitors for the first time in decades.
The Rocky Edge Estate in southern Vigo County was first purchased by the Root family, who’s famous for the Coca-Cola contour bottle, in the 1920s.
They built up the 88-acre property and the home up until the 1960s when they sold it. Since that time, the home has gone through numerous owners before being vacant.
The vacancy brought on vandals and the house has deteriorated. However, a local architect has stepped in to restore the property. Indiana State University Architect Scott Tillman said that he knew that it’d be a tall task to restore the property, but knowing the history of the building will make it worth it.
“We went through the property and saw the potential knowing that there’s a lot to do in it,” Tillman said. “And knowing that I was up for the challenge.”
Tillman stated that he’s going to take his time with the remodel. He and his son are going to be the only two working the job, and he said that he’s prepared for the project to last for up to 10 years before it’s completed.
“It’s slow going with me and my son,” Tillman explained. “No real rush, I just want to do it right and make the property back to its full potential like it was originally.”
The Time Travelers Club is the group that went on the exclusive tour of the building. This Vigo County History Center group takes trips around the area to historical buildings. VCHC Curator Suzy Quick said that this is a very unique experience.
“We just wanted to share this opportunity with people to come out and visit Rocky Edge Estate,” Quick said.
This event was only for the Time Travelers Club and visits are not open to the public. Quick said that the groups next visit will be at the Women’s Department Club.
