The Sterling-Moorman House, listed on the Cheney Register of Historic Places, was relocated in September 2006 from its original site at 4th and G Streets to a new home at the corner of 2nd and G Streets. The move followed 2 years of efforts by City staff and the Historic Preservation Commission to save the building from demolition. Built 120 years ago, the Sterling-Moorman House is the only remaining example of the Gothic Revival architectural style in Cheney. It is believed to have been constructed by the property’s first owner, a local carpenter named Frank Sterling. Its name also reflects long-time ownership by the James Madison Moorman family.
The modest house features its original Gothic arch fenestration, wood drop cladding, and a later shed-roof rear addition that housed the kitchen and bath. The hand-hewn beams undergirding the structure show complex peg-and-tenon joinery, revealing the craftsmanship of its builder. While the building is structurally sound, the interior is in need of extensive repairs.
The home was listed on the Cheney Register of Historic Places in 1997, having remained in the James Madison Moorman family for some 60 years before it was sold in early 2004. The City of Cheney proposed that the Sterling-Moorman House be moved and rehabilitated for additional space for the Cheney Historical Museum, operated by the Cheney Tilicum Club. The City Council allocated ongoing funding for building maintenance, and for relocation expenses not covered by grants and donations. Other direct costs associated with the move were covered by donated labor costs from CenturyTel (telephone service), the Cheney Light Department (electric service), and Davis Communications (cable TV provider).
How You Can Help:
The cost to rehabilitate the building will be covered by grant funding and community donations. If you are able to make a financial donation toward the restoration of the Sterling-Moorman House, mail your contribution to the Cheney Planning Department at 112 Anderson Road, Cheney, WA 99004. Please mark it clearly as a donation toward the historic house restoration project.
Sales of engraved bricks are also supporting the Restoration Project. Your purchase of a Pioneer Paver will support construction of a replica carriage house adjacent to the historic building, as well as provide needed funding for the ongoing repairs to the Sterling-Moorman House.
Hands On Volunteer Opportunity:
If you are willing to spend some time helping us prepare the site for further work, or if you have skills that would aid in the restoration of this building (including landscape design and maintenance), please download our Volunteer Application package today. (Be sure to take a look at the City of Cheney's Volunteer Policy, too.)
