When Belleville preservationists made their 11th-hour pitch last year to save the house at 804 E. Washington St. from demolition, we opined that it was an unrealistic idea and that they'd never raise the money to fix up this neighborhood nuisance.

We're happy to say that we were wrong.

The Belleville Historical Society arranged private funding and renovated the house, which was built in 1876. Now Belleville has a new resident and homeowner as a result. The group made a profit, by the way -- money that will be invested in their next renovation project.

Congratulations to group President Larry Betz, Alderwoman Melinda Hult and all the volunteers involved in this labor of love. This is exactly the way a preservation project like this should be executed.