Thomas Benton Jacobs House
4002 Utica Pike
Jeffersonville, IN

Available for Relocation $1

Located in an established and highly desirable residential area along Utica Pike adjacent to the Ohio River, the Thomas Benton Jacobs farmhouse is a significant example of an I-house building type that was constructed around 1864. The house was later sold to the State of Indiana and became the work farm for the Indiana State Reformatory (later Colgate-Palmolive complex) until it was sold back into private ownership in 1923. The house has had a series of owners since that time and was acquired in 2006 through condemnation by the Riverside Water Company, a private utility that purchased the property to expand its wells.

The house has been vacant since that time and is available for $1 on the condition that it be moved. There are two available lots within close proximity of the house that are available for purchase, including a 1.2 acre tract immediately to the east that is listed for $89,900. The estimated cost to move the structure next door is $30,000.

The approximately 3,430 square foot structure contains 9 rooms, including two baths. Many original architectural features remain, including original woodwork, open staircase to the second floor, and hardwood floors. Some later built-in cabinetry is found in the front first floor rooms. Many original windows also remain, although some have been damaged by vandalism. Aluminum siding has been removed from the exterior of the house revealing the original clapboard wood siding and evidence of a dentil molding cornice. A side entry porch retains its original sawn work railing and porch post supports.

Indiana Landmarks has until August 24th to find a party willing to undertake the move. If a suitable party is not found, this important piece of Jeffersonville/Clark County history will be lost. For more information or to arrange a tour of the building, please contact the Southern Regional office at 812/284-4534 or e-mail Greg Sekula, Director, at gsekula@indianalandmarks.org.