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The house at 334 Chester Ave., in Moorestown dates back to 1886, and was most recently the Lankenau Funeral Home.
The funeral home sold the property to developers in 2022 for approximately $650,000, then, the developer subdivided the property and sold off a half-acre for a new home. The funeral home and an acre-and-a-half of land is what remains, and is listed at $750,000 on Zillow.
"We're trying to preserve the character for the benefit of the town for future generations," said Julie Maravich, who lives on Chesnut Avenue and serves as president of Saving Historic Moorestown. "I think it would be a snowball effect. Once this one goes, very quickly others would go."
Saving Historic Moorestown is actively trying to raise close to $80,000 for a grant to a new homeowner.
The tradeoff, an easement that would protect the property from future demolition and development, according to Maravich.
The group has held 13 meetings and already attracted support from more than two dozen concerned neighbors, she said.
A "Saving Historic Moorestown" fundraiser is set for May 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Julie and Dr. Nick Maravich Jr. at 660 Chester Ave.
The property listing — represented by Jack Yao of Realmart Realty, LLC — offers potential buyers the opportunity to "restore this home into a magnificent masterpiece or start fresh with a dream home, the possibilities are endless.
"Embrace the opportunity to own a piece of history and create your own legacy in this picturesque setting."
Daily Voice has reached out to Yao for comment.
The funeral home was originally the home of Minnie and John Perkins. Their home was designed by the Wilson Brothers Company who also designed The Reading Terminal, Franklin Institute and the Basilica of St. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia.
"So, an important part of the history of that home and of Moorestown is the architect who left an example of their craft in our town," the non-profit's website says.
Melissa Young, of the Drayton Young Group — Compass Real Estate, says "preserving architectural buildings is important because they serve as tangible reminder of our history, and culture identity. It creates a sense of shared connection and belonging."
"Everyone’s taste for architectural styles is different," the website says. "Whether a building was built in the late 1800s, is considered to be Mid-Century Modern, or brand-new construction with all state of the art amenities, each reflects a period in time so important to the town where they exist.
"They can tell the story of the architect, a family who lived there, or be home to an historical event. In any case, we live in a beautiful and exciting historic town and these homes should be preserved."
If the funeral home is demolished, Maravich fears something "completely out of character" would replace it.
"The town is a very desirable town. And so there are older homes (that) if they haven't been kept up are vulnerable to builders. And builders like to build," she said.
"We have a new slogan: 'Our future is in our past.'"
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