the city of bellevue purchased the property in 1988 for $1.7 million, using a county open space ballot measure, and began an extensive renovation in 1990 at the behest of the bellevue historical society. the renovations cost $335,623 and included the addition of an interpretive center and trailhead for the mercer slough trail. the winters house was added to the national register of historic places in 1992 and re-opened to visitors in june 1994. the bellevue historical society, later merged into the eastside heritage center, moved into the renovated mansion with antique furniture donated by bellevue residents and businesses. one of the items, an authentic 1930s telephone, plays a simulated conversation between cecilia winters and her neighbor as part of the museum's programming.