One of the first two-story homes in the Silver State, the Kinsey House and property are in the process of merging with Mormon Station State Historic Park.
Photo by Kurt Hildebrand.
An effort to add one of the oldest homes in Nevada to Mormon Station State Historic Park was recommended by Genoa Town Board members on Wednesday.
A special use permit is making its way through the county for the Kinsey House, located at 196 Genoa Lane, next door to the state park.
Work to preserve the property and home began after the demise of owner Betty Bourne on Oct. 29, 2023, at age 94.
Built by Genoa pioneer Stephen Kinsey in 1856, it was the first two-story brick building in the Silver State.
The property has had several owners since Kinsey’s death in 1903, including the Bournes, who purchased it in 1983, according to the Douglas County Recorder’s Office.
On Dec. 31, 2024, an organization known as The Conservation Fund finalized its purchase of the property for $1.1 million. The nonprofit is involved in several conservation efforts, including the preservation of President James Monroe’s former estate in Virginia.
Longtime Genoan Bill Brooks asked why the organization is seeking a special use permit instead of a zone change. The Kinsey House is zoned residential, but the park next door is zoned for public facilities.
The permit is being sought as a use of community significance, according to a letter from Fund Nevada Field Representative Gavin Kakol.
“(State Parks) intends to preserve the Kinsey House and operate it as an interpretive center for the public to tour,” Kakol said in the project description. “The house will feature exhibits focused on the history of the property and the town of Genoa.”
A small caretaker’s unit built in 1935 will serve as a park office and ranger station.
Otherwise, the state doesn’t plan to conduct any additional changes to the property besides restoring the orchard of the property. The state would also connect trails with those in Mormon Station requiring visitors to enter through the stockade.
The property is part of the Sierra Shadows Homeowners Association, which generally favors the project, according to President Norm Hanson. One of the requirements is that the property exit the HOA. Three quarters of the association is required to allow its removal. Hanson said he had 95 percent.
The earliest Douglas County planning commissioners could hear the permit is at their June 10 meeting, since their regular meeting for this month is canceled.