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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDC1995-003 Letter From Nancy Lowe To Molly Satterfield Subject: Demoliitiion 05/11/1995May 11 , 1995 Ms. Molly Satterfield Historic District Commission Department of Neighborhoods and Planning City of Little Rock 723 W. Markham Street Little Rock, AR 72201-1334 Re: Proposed Demolition of 609 Rock Street, Butler House Dear Ms. Satterfield: This is to oppose the demolition of this contributing structure in the MacArthur Park Historic District. The viability of the district in the future depends on saving historic structures within the district and reusing them. Every one that is lost weakens the district and threatens its future existence. During the Future Little Rock process, the Neighborhoods Task Force Preservation Subcommittee addressed the most critical preservation issues facing the city. This local historic district was defined as a potential model for neighborhood preservation activity. Preventing demolition and establishing positive mechanisms for encouraging rehabilitation was a high priority. I have attached the committee recommendations for your information and records. Please note that we also saw economic development as directly linked with these issues of building and neighborhood preservation. I have visited the house and looked at it and its historic landscape features. Both the house and its grounds are contributing to the historic neighborhood. While a recent fire has damaged the northwest section, including the front entry , most of the house is in repairable shape. The wood siding requires some replacement and repair, but mostly scraping and repainting. Most of the windows are in good shape and could be refurbished. The historic roof needs repair or replacement in the northwest section, but is otherwise structurally sound. Inside the fire charred the living -dining -entry woodwork. However detail is left to replicate with similar patterns and some sections could possibly be sanded down. Much of the flooring is intact, however the living -dining area'is covered with fire debris. Two sections of floor in the kitchen area have been removed, apparently so plumbing could be stolen. One bath is intact and other fixtures are still in the house. While the stair has fire damage, most of the upper floor is intact. On the grounds the rear and side fences are historic wire which is worth preserving. The large side yard contains landscaping and is an attractive asset to the area. p. 2 609 Rock In addition to concern for the house and grounds, I am concerned about the current stability of this block and the area. Every other building on the block is maintained. The vacant lot owned by Second Baptist is mowed This is the only structure in need of immediate rehabilitation. As such it needs to be reboarded, resecured, and brought up to the surrounding standards. The lack of positive action by the city in these things endangers the property value and security for the other residents and businesses on the block. The condition of 609 Rock and its economic and social effect on its neighbors is an example of the critical need to stop demolitiion and encourage maintenance and rehabilitation within the district. Continued demolition simply creates vacant lots that attract the same kinds of problems as vacant structures. The city's role should be to prevent demolition and provide positive mechanisms for rehabilitation and reuse. I urge you as a commission and as a city to deny this demolition and begin the process of stabilizing this block and the MacArthur Park Historic District. Sincerely, Nancy Lowe, Chair Preservation Subcommittee Future Little Rock 2000 Magnolia Ave #322 Little Rock, AR 72202 cc: Neighborhoods Task Force Members ARKANSAS HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROGRAM May 11, 1995 Ms. Molly Satterfield Little Rock Historic District Commission Little Rock Department of Neighborhoods and Planning 723 West Markham Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 RE: Proposed Demolition of the Butler House, 609 Rock Street Dear Molly: The AHPP staff has reviewed the proposed demolition request for the Butler House located at 609 Rock Street and while there is some damage due to fire and neglect, the structure is basically sound and should not be demolished. A site visit to the structure revealed that the fire damage is localized to the front two rooms on the north side of the house and some portions of the foyer. While some of the fire damage is severe on the interior, the entire house is repairable. The exterior is in fair condition as is the roof except in those areas affected by the fire. Sufficient historic fabric for rehabilitation remains both on the exterior and interior. It should be noted that this structure is situated on a two lot area that has several significant historic landscape features. The Butler House is listed as a contributing resource to the MacArthur Park Historic District and remains such in spite of its current state of neglect. Historic Districts are significant for their ability to illustrate the historic development patterns of a town or city in addition to portraying the evolution of architectural styles and trends in the area. The Butler House is one of the few remaining examples of a Folk Victorian cottage in the district and as such should be afforded every consideration. National Register Historic District status is always harmed when a contributing resource is removed and can become precarious if the number of contributing structures dwindles below the number of those structures that do not contribute to the historic character of the district. The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program does not recommend demolition for the Butler House, but rather repair and maintenance. Sincerely, *�� &�' �J— a�� Lynne Braddock Zollner Technical Assistance Coordinator 1500 Tower Building • 323 Center • Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 • Phone (501) 324-9880 Fax (501) 324-9154 A Division of the Department of Arkansas Heritage Con lting Group 601 Sc Rock Street Little 1 Ic, AR 72202 Ms. Molly Satterfield Historic Preservation Administrator Department of Neighborhoods & Planning 723 W. Markham Street Little Rock, AR 72201-1334 *r* USA 32 ,,,,,i I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I i I I I I i I I I I i I i I I I I I I I I I I II