{
  "id": 4252666,
  "title": "Woman transforms condemned 1888 San Diego mansion into a $4.5 million showpiece",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/woman-transforms-condemned-1888-san-diego-mansion-into-a-4-5-million",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-29T18:25:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/in-1997-a-woman-bought-a-condemned-1888-san-diego-mansion-for-188500-after-an-8-year-restoration-it-has-30-plus-chandeliers-a-secret-bar-titanic-movie-set-columns-and-a-4-5-million-asking-price/articleshow/133568203.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In 1997, artist Karen Groebli purchased a condemned Victorian mansion in San Diego's Bankers Hill neighborhood for just $188,500. The 1888 Broderick–Kenny House had been left in a state of disrepair with plaster hanging from walls, broken windows and trash everywhere. Undeterred, Groebli embarked on a painstaking eight-year restoration project, transforming the historic landmark into a $4.5 million showpiece that blends Victorian charm with modern luxury.\n\nGroebli meticulously filled the home with over 30 chandeliers, a hidden speakeasy, and reclaimed Titanic-inspired kitchen columns. She also restored the house's original water-pressure elevator and converted the third floor into a private suite with bay and city views. The restored property, now listed for $4.5 million, stands out in San Diego's current historic home market, offering buyers a unique blend of old-world elegance and contemporary comfort.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Artist Karen Groebli bought condemned 1888 mansion for $188,500 in 1997",
    "Restored property features 30 chandeliers, hidden speakeasy, Titanic-inspired kitchen",
    "$4.5 million mansion listed for Bankers Hill neighborhood in San Diego"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}