Local preservationists hope to move a historic neighborhood forward by celebrating its past.

Jennifer Baxter-Higgs presented a plan Tuesday to the Landmark Commission to save the dilapidated Frank Sommer House — better known as the “Cracker House” — at 914 Main St. The home earned the nickname from Mr. Sommer’s status as the inventor of the Premium Saltine Cracker.

The structure faced a dangerous-building hearing Oct. 19 to determine whether it would meet the wrecking ball. Though a decision was delayed, the building remains in peril.

“Today we are about to lose one of the most historically significant homes in our city,” Ms. Baxter-Higgs said.

She pitched an idea of a not-for-profit group that would make immediate roof repairs to secure the building from the elements. A longer view included a fundraising drive Ms. Baxter-Higgs hoped would involve Nabisco, Lowe’s, HGTV and local sources.

The board for the not-for-profit group would include Ms. Baxter-Higgs, Ellis Cross and Charles Nill. Ms. Baxter-Higgs and Mr. Cross serve on the Landmark Commission and would have to recuse themselves from any vote related to the project.

Property Maintenance Director Steve Hofferber previously said the city expected to spend $10,000 to $15,000 on potential demolition of the building. Estimates for restoration costs soar well into six figures.

Ms. Baxter-Higgs asked the commission to approve $40,000 in funding from the city’s annual Save Our Heritage Grant program, which spends $100,000 annually on restoring local structures. The program requires a 200 percent match from property owners, meaning the $40,000 grant would require the not-for-profit group to raise at least $80,000, bringing the total investment to $120,000.

Ms. Baxter-Higgs said the initial investment would address roof problems, while interior repairs would move at a slower pace, possibly with help from students at Hillyard Technical Center.

Although commissioners were generally supportive of the project, they tabled a decision until next month to avoid showing preference to one potential Save Our Heritage Grant applicant before other groups could file their submissions.

Clinton Thomas can be reached at clinton.thomas@newspressnow.com. Follow him on Twitter: @SJNPThomas.