CEDAR FALLS - A labor of love still costs money.

The stately Victorian house at 304 Clay St. has been home to the Cedar Falls Woman's Club for 80 years. Built in 1867, age and use has aged its beauty, but grace and craftsmanship are evident in every detail, and club members are intent on preserving and restoring the historic building.

But restoration comes at a hefty price. Members are hoping to raise at least $175,000 that will be used to change the building's south entrance and restrooms. Plans are to begin construction in 2010.

"It's a phased restoration of the clubhouse," said longtime member and club president Bonnie Anderson. "Our main reason for choosing the south entrance is that it is not handicap accessible. A new entrance will allow for easier access. We're phasing in projects, and when everything is done, we should be in good shape for the next 40 or so years."

In 2004, architect Daryl Andersen conducted an assessment of the property and produced a report spelling out the repairs necessary to put the house in good order. The first step was replacing the old roof, gutters and fascia, a project that cost $80,000. Funds were raised through grants and member donations.

The Italianate-style Victorian home features dentils, brackets underbroad eaves, round-headed windows and a decorative bow window, as well as a dramatic main entrance that has often been used as the backdrop for wedding photos. The home was built by Joseph T. Knapp and became property of the Cedar Falls Woman's Club in 1929, through a gift of $20,000 and a fund drive that raised $10,000. A ballroom with a stage, balcony and other renovations was designed by well-known architect Mortimer Cleveland, said member Liz Miller.

In the 1940s, the clubhouse became a USO club where dances took place and films were shown, said member Donna Hoffman. "It's been an integral part of the community and lives of Cedar Falls residents for a long time. It's an historic building and important part of the downtown historical district that needs a face lift and preservation," she explained.

Club members call it the "House of Friendship." Passers by often stop in and tour the home when the doors are open, and it is used almost daily by community and civic groups as a meeting site, including the Lions, Kiwanis, Rotary, Sons of Norway, American Association of University Women, Arcturus and all C.F. Woman's Club activities.

The house also plays host to frequent weddings, receptions and other gatherings, such as private parties and small groups. "We want the clubhouse to continue to be a welcoming place for the community, and these improvements will make it more functional into the future," said Elaine Pfalzgraf, one of the club's newest members.

In addition to a formal parlor, there is a "bride's room" upstairs where brides can dress for their wedding. It features one of the home's original fireplaces. There also is a boardroom, an 80-year-old Steinway piano and the services of a cook who can customize dinners.

In the late 1980s, the parlor was used as the Club House restaurant for elegant lunches six days a week.

Recent fundraisers have included "Gone With the Wind" and Titanic dinners, a bakeless bake sale, nut sales and a white elephant auction. Special projects include a community fall brunch, music camperships, scholarships and support of Operation Smile and KBBG Radio, among others.

Members' dues and income from rentals play for maintenance and utility fees.

After completion of the south entrance project, there are plans to continue raising funds for such restorations as replacing boilers, furnace and air conditioning, rewiring the kitchen and ballroom, replacing the ballroom's hardwood floor, restoring wood finishes, ornamental doors and windows in the historical areas, exterior updates, landscaping, parking lot resurfacing, restoration of the piano, a new sound system and new kitchen equipment.

The entire restoration project will have a $907,000 price tag.

"Our plan is to take one thing at a time. It's all we can do, but it's important for the community that the facility is updated and restored," Sue Witmer said.

Donations should be designated to the Cedar Falls Civic Foundation for the Woman's Club Building Fund. The Civic Foundation will distribute funds to contractors as the work is completed. Contributions are tax deductible.