The distance from where the historic Downers Grove 1846 Blodgett House stands now and where it will end up later this month may seem short, but the technicalities of relocating the structure prove to be quite the process.

Charley Smart, member of the Blodgett House on the Move group, said April 16, crews began to raise the home mere inches from its foundation at 812 Randall St. as the first in a series of events in making the trudge several hundred feet to rest on the grounds of the Downers Grove Park District Museum campus, 831 Maple Ave.

“To me, it’s a wonderful mix of technology, with big beams and big heavy things,” Smart said.

Smart said several holes were cut at the base of the home, and large beams were pushed through to offer a criss-cross base of support while the home is moved.

Next Tuesday, a winch system attached to a truck will be used to maneuver the home, which will roll on wheels across the stretch of green space during the course of several hours.

“Things will go a little bit at a time,” Smart said. “(The moving crew will) stop and think and ponder and measure.”

Smart said the home will snugly make its way between two trees on the land.

Originally, one of the trees was set for removal, but the position of the wheels under the home was reworked allowing for about 1 foot of room. Neither of the trees will be sacrificed.

The home will then hover above the new location while the foundation is poured and sets. The target date to lower the home is Monday, May 12.

“That’s the important thing,” Smart said. “For the foundation to match (the base of the house).”

Group member Greg Bedalov said although the house is traveling a relatively short distance, the move is significant.

“It’s not a long journey, but it’s a historic one,” Bedalov said.

The home is one of the earliest to be built in Downers Grove.

According to group’s Web site, Israel and Avis Blodgett arrived in Downers Grove in 1836 and lived in the house. Beginning in 1846, the Blodgett’s home was used as a stopover as part of the Underground Railroad system slaves traveled along in order to become free.

The Downers Grove Heritage Preservation Corp. is funding the move in order to save the home from demolition.