A lifetime immersed in travel, art history, and pop culture serve as her framework for championing 17th- to 18th-century historic homes that would otherwise be demolished. It caught the eye of one couple who hired Katillac to bring a Missouri farmstead estate back from certain demolition.

After years spent restoring historic properties, Katillac took on what many considered an impossible challenge—renovating a grand Second Empire manor house outside of Malta Bend, Missouri, once listed among the most endangered homes in the entire state. Where others saw only decay, she saw potential.

The circa 1870 mansion, known as the Henry Blosser Estate, caught the attention of Carolyn and Dr. Arthur Elman, who partnered with Katillac to support their mutual vision. While most scoffed at their ambitious mission, the Elmans’ and Katillac’s determination proved unwavering.

Through extensive research, trips to Jefferson City, solicitations to the National Park Service (which oversees historic places), plus sheer persistence from a team of 100 contributors, they transformed the crumbling brick structure back to its former glory.

The completed restoration, now known as the Blosser-Elman Museum of Decorative Arts, not only saved a piece of architectural history but also secured a designation on the National Register of Historic Places. It also provided an unexpected economic boon to Saline County, bringing tourism and renewed interest in the area.

Katillac then turned her attention to yet another dilapidated structure on the expansive Blosser property, a Swiss-style bank barn—bank, as in built partially into the side of a hill.