In 1978, the structure was purchased by Dr. Mary Tarzian.  The home, then an 11-room boarding house, stood vacant. Dr. Mary Tarzian wished to restore the home to its once stately position in the neighborhood.  Dr. Tarzian more over wished to donate the home to the City of Indianapolis for use as the City's official residents.  One of only three in the country.

Working with the representatives of Dr. Tarzian, our offices prepared several design alternatives that reflected a variety of future uses and desired images.  The home was envisioned as a place for City officials to entertain visiting dignitaries, hold staff retreats, and even as a guest quarters for the visitors to the City, such as then Vice-President Dan Quayle.

But, before the first guest could be invited, the years of neglect needed to be erased.  The c.1850 portion of the home was structurally unstable and near collapse.  Correcting the problems in-place would be nearly impossible, this would not provide the structural integrity required.  Demolition and recreation of this portion of the building would not be allowed by the local review board, the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission.   To correcting problems, great care had to be taken to dismantle the deteriorated portions the c.1850 portion of the home, brick by brick and rafter by rafter, all with the approval and review of the preservation commission.  The structural issues were only a part of the work required.  A 1910 wood framed addition was removed, all of the masonry was carefully tuckpointed and repaired, deteriorated portion of the original windows and doors were replicated.  Modern mechanical and electrical systems were integrated into the home while the fine woodwork and finishes were restored to return the home to its original grandeur.

The home stood ready for its first tenant.