NewsWest 9
MIDLAND COUNTY- You don't have to spend much time in Midland to understand the name Midkiff means something. The Midkiff family pioneered the region, even before it was formally a city.
But now, part of their history is being threatened.
"I've always loved history and I've always loved old houses and Midland just does have a lot of that. There aren't very many old structures that exist anymore," Ashlen Midkiff, said.
When Ashlen learned the house was up-for-sale, she took immediate action. "We have several individuals in town from diverse backgrounds that really understand the historical value of the property and currently we're working on a plan of action," Midkiff said.
She and the Permian Basin Historical Society are looking for any means necessary to save the architectural gem.
Real Estate Broker, Shana Curry said, "It's probably going to sell commercial. It's zoned C-3 which means 'heavy commercial'. You can do anything you want to it out here. You can put a pipe yard out here. You can turn it into a Bed and Breakfast. You could have parties here."
The current owner, Patricia Sierman, is selling the house and surrounding property. It's a little over two acres.
The house was built in 1902 and is considered a Shingle-style Victorian home. It's believed there's nothing else like it around the area.
A look inside is like stepping back in time. There are pocket doors, transoms, tall ceilings and original fire places.
"To me, the inside is stunning. It's gorgeous and if someone came in to restore it, it would just be fabulous," Curry said.
Patricia isn't selling because she wants to. She's doing it because she has to. A year ago, her husband was killed while riding his motorcycle. Now she's left taking care of the house, the family business, and their two kids, one of which has special-needs.
"I just can't do it anymore, financially or probably mentally either, because he's not here," Sierman said.
Once the news got out, she was bombarded by locals who want to save it.
"They want me to give it to the Historical Society and I'm just not willing to do that. That would mean that I would be on the streets and I'm not going to be homeless for the Historical Society," Sierman said.
