HomeMy WebLinkAboutscan0708PRESERV9NG THE PAST. SHAMNG THE FUTURE.
TH E .
TO: Ted Holder, Chair, Little Rock Historic District Commission
VIA: Brian Minyard, Urban Designer, City of Little Rock
FROM: Patricia Blick, Executive Director, QQA
RE: COA Application to Demolish 1019 Rock Street
DATE: February 6, 2019
The QQA Advocacy Committee has reviewed the application and the staff report for 1019 Rock Street, a
contributing resource of the National Register listed MacArthur Park Historic District.
Based upon the documentation provided, we ask the commissioners to deny the request to demolish
the structure.
The fire to this property was destructive. As stated in the staff report, in advance of the fire, the
property was suffering from demolition by neglect, was not secured, and was vulnerable to entry and
vandalism.
We have reviewed the statements from John Hogue, Assistant Fire Marshal with the Little Rock Fire
Department and Chuck Givens, Building Codes Manager and based upon visual inspection understand
the severity of deterioration. However, in accordance with the Little Rock Historic District Commission
Guidelines, all measures to save a significant structure should be explored before a request for
demolition is granted. At this time, we do not believe all measures to save the structure have been
exhausted.
We have been approached by a party interested in purchasing and rehabilitating the property.
We have reached out to connect this party with the attorney representing the family of the late owner
to see if there is an opportunity to transfer the property to restore/rehabilitate it.
We are frustrated that the property was allowed to remain unsecured, evidently for decades, enabling
entry and ultimately a destructive fire.
How can we work together to strengthen code enforcement and minimize or eliminate demolition by
neglect in our historic neighborhoods?
The QQA recommends denial of the COA application to demolish 1019 Rock Street.
Quapaw Quarter Association
Curran Hall
615 E. Capitol Avenue
P.O. Box 165023
Little Rock, Arkansas 72216
501-371-0075