B
ridget Salela and Walt Burrell, partners in real estate at The Ville Team with Coldwell Banker Realty, have found their new office in Naperville's historic Willard Scott House on Washington Street. "As soon as we stepped foot in this place, we fell in love," said Salela.

    The house had been on the market for sale since 2023, with several parties trying to find a buyer who would preserve its historic integrity. A tip from Councilman Patrick Kelly led them to the property, which they hadn't previously considered. "We were obsessed with it," said Salela. "We just kept driving by it."

    The Ville Team was formed when Burrell and Salela, longtime friends and neighbors, decided to join forces in real estate instead of competing against each other. They've been searching for office space in downtown Naperville and jumped at the opportunity to purchase the 101 N. Washington Street property.

    Built in 1867, the two-story red brick house was first home to Williard Scott, a leader in Naperville's early days. One of his sons, Willard Scott Jr., was the first fire marshal for the Naperville Fire Department. Salela's husband, a retired division chief, has a personal connection to the property.

    The house features several bedrooms now used as offices, a library, and a unique cupola above the roof where previous owners have signed their names and dates. The Ville Team plans to preserve the home's historic nature without renovations. "It's just kind of neat that we can take this history that is such a big part of Naperville and continue its legacy," said Burrell.

    The team doesn't have a move-in day yet but is working with Kuhn Heap and Monson to plan the transition.