A DILAPIDATED HOUSE on the Northside with what some would say has a questionable history could soon make way for a welcoming green space into one of the city’s nicest neighborhoods.

North Jackson architect Sam Coker recently formed an organization to purchase a home at 1607 East Northside Dr. The investment, though, wasn’t in the real estate (The property is, to say the least, an eyesore.) but in the community.

The home is located at the corner of Northside and Ridgewood Road and is seen by thousands of motorists who visit the area. “Basically, I decided this house needed to go away,” he said. “We have one of the best neighborhoods in the state. Getting rid of this house can only enhance it.”

In its place will go a public green space, a park, or a new sign welcoming people to the area, he said. The Northside resident recently formed a limited liability corporation, Northside Partners, to purchase the house and raise money for the project. And, he’s gotten someone to move the house for free.

One man, Todd Means, said he would move the house for free if he could have it. That wasn’t a problem for Coker. “We feel it’s a positive step for the neighborhood,” he said, as he stood in front of a back hoe on the property. “We’d like to have something attractive for people to see when they ride by.”

Work to move the house has already begun. A back hoe and trailer sit in the front yard, as well as two beams that will be used to move the home. Residents are also pitching in, Coker said.

NORTHSIDE PARTNERS is working to raise funds to beautify the area. Recently, he didn’t know the dollar figure that had been raised, but said many Northsiders have been eager to donate to the cause. “It’s been very encouraging that so many people are willing to help.”

Anyone who donates to Northside Partners becomes a partner with the group and owns a piece of the property, he said. He didn’t know how much money will be needed to enhance the area.

Gingia Yerger, the buyer’s agent who sold Coker the home, said she is pleased with what he and the corporation are doing with the property.

“This is an example of what organized and interested neighbors can do to enhance the attractiveness of their residential area,” she said in a written statement. “This is positive for their neighborhood. This is also positive for the city.”