The International Code Council voted to make sprinklers mandatory in new homes but homebuilders and firefighters say they would rather educate homeowners about sprinklers before requiring them. A home in the 800 block of West Pershing Street is the first step in that educational process.

It's a 120-year-old home with a very modern twist -- a sprinkler system that’s the first of its kind in Springfield.

“Someone had to be the first. We decided we'd do it,” said Jack Pugh of B’s Renaissance Renovations.

The system cost $1,500, or about $1 per square foot. Pugh says it’s money well spent.

“I think the safety aspect of it far outweighs the cost. This is very inexpensive to make sure the house is not going to burn down around you while you're in it,” said Pugh.

But, while a value to Pugh, it's that cost that has caused controversy over residential sprinkler systems. Last September, the International Code Council voted to require sprinklers in all new homes beginning in 2011. Local or state governments often adopt ICC recommendations in their building codes.

But, while many firefighters see the value in sprinklers, area homebuilders are concerned a mandate would hurt the local housing market.

“You are 82 percent less likely to die in that structure due to fire,” said Ben Basham, a Springfield fire marshal.

“We know that every $1,000 increase (in home prices) in Springfield are pricing 400 families out of new home,” said Matt Morrow, executive officer of the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield.

So they came together and came up with a compromise. They will ask lawmakers to pass legislation that would require homebuilders to provide buyers with information about sprinklers but would not mandate their installation.

“We can't just go in and strong-arm our way in and say ‘This is the way it is.’ It's something we have to work together on.”

While sprinklers might not be required in new homes in Springfield anytime soon, homebuilders and firefighters agree that they hope homes like the one on Pershing will convince homeowners that they're worth the extra cost.

“Let's help them learn more about it and let them make decision about their own home."

That makes a century-old house an example of what the future could hold.

“If I were building a home now, I would put one in."

If passed, that state legislation would expire in 2011, leaving it to local governments to decide if they will begin requiring sprinklers in new homes. If you'd like to take a look at this home's sprinkler system, it will be a part of the HBA's Parade of Homes during the last two weeks of June.