She said her community has many vacant homes, and she and others have been meeting with city housing officials with an eye toward stabilizing empty structures.
"The economy isn't helping us," said Fisher, who remains hopeful that the Mitchell mansion will find a taker.
Mitchell "was an avid collector of African art, and he filled the first-floor rooms with spears and shields," said Kieffer Mitchell, his nephew, who recalled the lunch parties his uncle held after Sunday services at nearby St. Katherine of Alexandria Episcopal Church. "He had a unique decorating sense."
He also recalled that the home's prominent corner location and large windows made it ideal for posting campaign signs. "The house had a prime location."
"This house needs someone very special to buy it," said real estate sales agent Stanley Zerden, who is working for the owner. "It needs someone who wants the house for what it is, not where it is."
After efforts failed to sell the house on the traditional real estate market, he made an agreement with Fox Residential Auctions to seek the highest bidder.
"The house has a tremendous potential and, with a minimal investment, the owner will wind up with the best house in the neighborhood," said John W. Mabry III, president of the auction firm.
