Cincy will seize P&G heir's home

January 27, 2011 at 12:11p.m.

CINCINNATI (AP) — A preservation group trying to buy a Cincinnati mansion once owned by a Procter & Gamble Co. heir has been turned down a third time by the owner.

A city councilman tells The Cincinnati Enquirer that Wednesday’s rejection means the city will move forward with plans to seize the former James Norris Gamble home through eminent domain.

Gamble helped develop Ivory Soap for P&G and was the son of one of the company’s co-founders. The Cincinnati Preservation Association wants to turn the 13-room, 19th century house into an educational center and museum.

The mansion is now owned by a foundation that says it’s too badly deteriorated to save. The foundation has discussed tearing it down and establishing a nature center on the grounds.