City talks demolition of Kress Building

Officials say they hope to preserve facade of historic structure

Texarkana, Texas, city leaders are planning to demolish the Kress Building at 116 Broad St.
Staff file photo by Christena Dowsett
Texarkana, Texas, city leaders are planning to demolish the Kress Building at 116 Broad St. Staff file photo by Christena Dowsett

A combination of facade preservation and demolition is planned for the Kress Building in downtown Texarkana, Texas, city officials said.

" ... We are working out a plan that will involve parts preservation and demolition, and it has to be done in a way where the walls and buildings on either side of the Kress Building are protected," City Manager John Whitson said Thursday.

In 2009, the city acquired the property in the 100 block of West Broad Street from the Bi-State Women's Center as a donation, according to city documents.

Since then, city officials have explored various options as to what to do with the building.

"If I had been city manager at the time, we would not have taken on the Kress Building," said Whitson, who took on his position four years ago.

One plan involving an attempt to have the building listed in the National Register of Historic Places was denied in 2015, according to city documents. The building is in a continually deteriorating state, providing a concern for those in the immediate area.

"So it is our issue to deal with," Whitson said, "So we have to do our due diligence. That means, we will need to analyze and assess the property for pollutants and hazards, the general state of cleanliness of the site. If there are any of these problems, it is the duty of the city to address it. As things stand right now, the property would almost certainly not pass a phase one inspection."

The city contracted with ERI Consulting of Tyler, Texas, which produced an itemized report on the various stages of demolition and cleanup and what it would cost.

The next stage will be to send out the city's work request to contractors, which will be a combination of demolition, site cleanup and facade preservation, as well as the price they are offering, which is $465, 750, said Kyle Doolie, public works director.

"That is the dollar framework in which we are working and the general goal we want. We want to preserve the historic facade as much as possible as well as control costs within the limit given in the ordinance," Doolie said.

"We will be waiting for contractors to bid on the job," Doolie said. "The city's goals right now are long-term safety and security of the property as well as the neighboring properties. That is our current priority."

Assistant City Manager Shirley Jaster added, "The city owns the property right now, but that's not generally the business of the city. We have no plans at this time to develop the property."

"Plans go out soon, we then collate bids, then put it to the council to decide the next move," Jaster said. "The process is slow and extensive."

If you can't save the whole front wall, we can try to save various historical, unique features. That is what we are trying for," she added.

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