Shackelford Mansion

The Shackelford Mansion, more recently known as the No-Ruz Grotto, stands as a testament to Evansville’s architectural and social history. Constructed in 1869, it was celebrated as the largest residence in the city at the time, renowned for its multi-colored frescoed ceilings, intricate plasterwork, and commanding presence. Contemporary newspaper accounts marveled at the home’s artistry and craftsmanship.

Our client, captivated by the mansion’s grandeur and historical importance, sought to restore the home’s prominence by finding a tenant capable of honoring its architectural legacy while breathing new life into the structure. To support this vision, our team developed a comprehensive marketing package to attract prospective tenants, highlighting the property’s historic features, scale, and potential for modern use.

In addition, we provided technical assistance for federal historic grant applications, helping to secure funding opportunities to support preservation-sensitive interventions. Construction cost estimating and feasibility analyses were also performed, ensuring that potential adaptive reuse strategies could be implemented sustainably and realistically.

Today, the Shackelford Mansion stands ready for its next chapter—a historically significant, visually captivating property poised for innovative reuse that respects its storied past while embracing new possibilities.

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