BLOOMINGTON - The David Davis Mansion won't be closing after all - at least not until after Abraham Lincoln's bicentennial birthday - thanks to a deal between the state and the mansion's private foundation announced Wednesday night.

"This is a tremendous development for the David Davis Mansion, and it's gratifying to have a support group like the David Davis foundation," said David Blanchette, spokesman for the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, which oversees the mansion.

The David Davis Mansion Foundation offered in September to use private money to pay the $10,000 a month needed to keep the mansion open without state money. The mansion was on the list of more than two dozen state parks and historic sites scheduled to close Nov. 30 because of state budget cuts.

The foundation board unexpectedly received word Wednesday night that the offer had been accepted.

"We're extremely happy," said board member Bob Lenz. "Now we don't have to disappoint all the people who have events scheduled."

The 1870s Italianate mansion built by Lincoln friend and political supporter David Davis is a popular site for school field trips and tourists. The approach of Lincoln's 200th birthday in February has increased interest in the mansion.

Blanchette said the arrangement was agreed upon after details were reviewed by the foundation, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union and the Blagojevich administration.

It will result in the facility being able to stay open through February with no employee layoffs, Blanchette said.

Depending on how much money the foundation raises, Blanchette said the mansion could stay open through the remainder of the fiscal year, which ends June 30.

"The site will not close Nov. 30," Blanchette said.

The foundation plans to rent the site for weddings and other functions and to raise money from private sources.

While the Lenz said the foundation can maintain the operation through February, what will happen after that is unclear.

State officials originally rejected the foundation's offer, Lenz said.

"The last word from the state was there was almost no hope," Lenz said. Then about 10 days ago, he learned from Jan Grimer, director of the IHPA, there was "some slight glimmer of hope."

"We have to give her a lot of credit for this," Lenz said.

Blanchette said the mansion is the only historic site of one dozen targeted for closure that is using foundation money to stay open. He said others could avoid closure if similar arrangements are reached.

"If similar offers are made… they will be examined," Blanchette said.

Even if the mansion had to close, essentials like heat and electricity to preserve the building would have continued, Lenz said.