A piece of history is on the market

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - More than 130 years of history is up for sale.
   
"This house is a real treasure," artist Sandra Daniel said.

A treasure Daniel has been working in for six years.

"I never dreamed that when I was dreaming of a studio that I'd get to be in a historical building, so this is just exciting every day when I walk through the doors," the artist said.

Behind an old iron gate stands a home dating back to 1882. The six-bedroom house at 635 Ferry St. is now used as studio space for a number of artists, including Daniel.

Owner David Raymer said its original owners played an important part in Lafayette's History.

"This home was built by the Ross family on land that they owned," Raymer. "The Ross family were actually the founders for Ross Gear. It's a company that made gears back early on when automobiles were first being manufactured."

Raymer devotes his time to renovating historic homes, and bought this house 10 years ago, keeping all the original windows, fixtures and charm it had when it was built. Under his ownership it went from a home to studios, but that may soon change. Raymer said the house is for sale.

"It is a single-family home and I'd really like to sell it as a single-family home, but my artists are still here," Raymer said.

Some artists like Daniel said they'd like to stay, but she said she respects Raymer's decision.

"Change happens and I'm old enough to deal with it, but I'd certainly like to stay here at least another six," Daniel said.

Whether he finds a buyer or not Raymer said he has enjoyed every part of this home in the historic Arts and Shopping district of downtown Lafayette.