The three-story Strawberry Mansion rowhouse that used to house legendary jazz musician John Coltrane is being restored and transferred back to his family, writes Mia Jackson for The New York Times. 

Coltrane bought the home in 1952, and used it until he passed away in 1967. 

In 1999, the rowhouse was designated a National Historic Landmark. However, in recent years, its condition has deteriorated and now needs major repairs and restoration.

The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund recently announced that the rowhouse will be the first site to receive financial support through the new Descendants and Family Stewardship initiative, which will assist in coordinating and financing the transfer of Coltrane’s home from its current owner back to his family. 

Coltrane’s extended family has deep ties to the rowhouse, as his mother, first cousin, first wife, cousin, and others have lived in or owned the house at some point between the 1950s and 2004. 

“These funds are very vital and very much needed for any repairs and restorations. We certainly hope within the next few years to completely stabilize the home and foundation,” said Ravi Coltrane, the son of John Coltrane and his second wife, Alice Contrane. 

Read more about John Coltrane’s Philly home and the efforts to restore it at The New York Times. 

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