Flowery Branch is trying to help one of its residents through a home rebuilding project in the downtown historic district.

The city is working with Gainesville-based Home Development Resources Inc., which helps low- to moderate-income residents with housing and financial assistance.

Flowery Branch hopes to proceed with tearing down the 5202 Railroad Ave. house, which dates to 1898, with HDR overseeing construction of a new house using Community Home Investment Program grant money from the state Department of Community Affairs.

But first, the City Council must vote to turn over ownership of the property to Randy Carlisle, the man who would occupy the home. The council is set to meet Thursday, starting at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

"It is necessary for Mr. Carlisle to have legal possession of the property before the city demolishes the existing home, due to requirements of the Department of Community Affairs," according to a document provided by City Manager Bill Andrew for the council.

The city has $173,015 remaining from the original $189,515 in grant money. The Railroad Avenue project will cost about $110,000.

"It should take two or three days to tear down the structure," Andrew said Tuesday. "Certainly, by the end of the month, it will be gone. We're already working on picking out home plans and that kind of thing."

Before the project could take shape, the city's Historic Preservation Commission had to give its blessing, which came on Oct. 26.

The home came into city hands after the previous owner, who had kept up taxes on the property but couldn't continue maintenance, transferred ownership several months ago.

The new house will have to be built according to historic district standards and would have to be at least 1,200 square feet in size.

In an earlier interview, Mary Ledbetter, executive director of Home Development Resources, said she hoped that during construction, a couple of the property's large pecan trees could be saved.

Carlisle couldn't be reached for comment.