The Friesens tried and failed to turn the house into a bed and breakfast and entered into a protracted battle with the local mayor, City Council and community over plans for a large housing development on the grounds of the heritage property. All the while, the house remained empty and in a sorry state of disrepair.
In its original configuration, the house had two bathrooms, the first of which didn't look very inviting when Leland Kent toured the property. Nevertheless, the toilet, sinks, window frames and quaint shutters were in relatively good shape, having escaped the worst of the flames.