KAUKAUNA (WLUK) -- A historic building restoration project started Monday in Kaukauna.

A 185-year-old mansion is being worked on for the first time in more than 30 years.

The Grignon Mansion was built in 1837 by a fur trader, Charles Grignon as a gift to his wife. It was given historic significance status in 1972 for being considered ahead of its time.

Grignon Mansion executive director Cassidy Mickelson says the home represents the rich, layered history of the Fox River valley.

"Although we might look at it and say well that's not really a mansion in our day and age, we have to remember that people in our area were living in log cabins up until that point. So here you see Greek revival architecture in the columns and in the symmetry of the house," Mickelson said.

Mickelson says this type of maintenance is common for such buildings.

"It's pretty typical that every 30 to 40 years, the wood needs to get fixed and changed," she said.

She says the renovations have been overdue.

"The last decade we've really seen a lot of rot especially on the porches, second floor balcony and a lot of woodpecker damage."

Community members like Pennie Thiele say the mansion's historical appeal goes beyond just the city of Kaukauna.

"People come from all over the state when we have events, it's not just Kaukauna. It lets them see what a great place Kaukauna is."

Thiele, like many others, hopes the changes are the start.

"We need to look at moving it forward, keeping it relevant in our community for generations to come. I think we're on the cusp right now of what we can do in the future," Thiele said.

Mickelson says the renovation costs roughly $200,000 and they're expected to be completed in July.