Names of family members: My family includes my cat, Tiger, and myself, Lakeisha Purchase
Occupation(s): I am a lobbyist, a real estate investor, and proudly serve as the Ward 5 Alderwoman for the City of Springfield.
When did you move to Enos Park? I moved to the Enos Park neighborhood in April 2015.
What drew you to the neighborhood? I’ve always enjoyed renovating houses. Before moving, I had completely renovated a home in Southern View. However, I kept hearing great things about Enos Park and was drawn to its friendly, welcoming atmosphere. I saw the potential to invest in the neighborhood’s revitalization and fulfill my dream of restoring a historic house. I sold my Southern View home and made the leap to Enos Park.
What kind of activities have you gotten involved in around the neighborhood? I’ve been deeply involved in neighborhood activities. I’ve served as an Enos Park Neighborhood Improvement Association (EPNIA) board member and as Fundraising Chair, and I’ve worked on the beautification team. In the summer, I helped with the youth bicycle club. I’m very active in engaging with my neighbors and building a sense of community.
Was your house move in ready? When I purchased my home through Enos Park Development, it was far from move-in ready. It was a distressed property that had been converted into a duplex. I undertook a complete renovation, starting with restoring the original wood siding and adding a new front porch to bring back its historic charm. I replaced the roof and windows, tuckpointed the foundation, and revamped the interior. Inside, I opted for a modern design with an open floor plan on the lower level. I reconfigured the upstairs to create larger bedrooms, including a master suite with a Jacuzzi tub and rainforest shower. I also finished the third-floor attic for use as an office and converted the basement for storage. What was once a diamond in the rough, even at risk of demolition, received a Historic Sites Commission award a year after the renovation.
What projects have you completed since moving in, or have planned for the near future? The house is fully renovated, and I’ve recently added a new concrete driveway and a garage.
Did you do any of the work yourself? I completed most of the work myself, with the exception of the mechanical systems.
Any advice for someone contemplating a move to the neighborhood and/or a renovation project? Now is the perfect time to invest in property in Enos Park. For those new to renovations, there are local contractors available to assist.
What’s your favorite thing about living in Enos Park? Enos Park feels like a family, where neighbors watch out for one another daily. I enjoy spending time on my master deck and front porch in nice weather, chatting with neighbors and appreciating the sense of community on our block.