T
he historic Willard Scott House in Naperville has been sold to local real estate team The Ville Team of Coldwell Banker Realty. Despite initial concerns that a private sale could lead to demolition or alterations, the new owners have assured they will preserve and maintain the 158-year-old structure. The property, built in 1867, was once a family home for over a century before being converted into office space.
The Ville Team plans to relocate their office from 1212 S. Naper Blvd. to the downtown space at 101 N. Washington St., with an expected move-in date sometime this summer. Brokers Walt Burrell and Bridget Salela expressed excitement about the new location, citing its historic significance and suitability for a real estate team.
"We love the building," Burrell said. "It's perfect for us." Salela added that the property's iconic status in Naperville makes it an ideal fit for their company, which lists historic properties. The new owners aim to maintain the property's integrity and history, ensuring its preservation for years to come.
The Willard Scott House has ties to one of Naperville's earliest families and features Italianate-style architecture. Prior to being sold, the property was owned by Robert Heap, who purchased half the property after Harris Fawell's law firm relocated in 2016. The house went on the market in mid-2023, with its owners seeking a buyer who would maintain its historical integrity.
Heap expressed relief that The Ville Team will be taking over the property, saying they found the perfect buyers to preserve the house's history. Naperville City Councilman Patrick Kelly praised the sale as a "perfect fit" for everyone involved, citing the sellers' goal of finding a buyer who would respect the property's historical significance.
The Ville Team, founded by Burrell and Salela in 2017, is composed of eight full-time broker associates with Coldwell Banker Realty. They plan to use their new location as an opportunity to grow their team and keep the Scott house in their families for years to come.
