TEXARKANA, Ark. - The sidewalk in front of downtown's most noteworthy eyesores has been cleared of debris opening up a path for foot traffic once again.
The sidewalk in the 100 block of East Broad Street had been impassable for more than a year as the fencing that sealed off the demolition site included the sidewalk. But last week heavy equipment cleared the rubble off the sidewalk and the construction site fencing was reestablished on the south side of the sidewalk.
Now pedestrians can walk that side of the street for that block without having to detour from the sidewalk into the street and then back onto the sidewalk again.
This bombed-out looking building was site of the first Dillard's department store in Texarkana. Before it was abandoned, it was known as the Regency House. The city began tearing in down more than 15 months ago because it was a safety hazard. However, when the adjacent building to the east was damaged, lawyers and insurance companies became involved and work stopped and has remained stopped in a dispute about damages.
Texarkana, Arkansas Public Works Department Director Tyler Richards couldn't be reached for comment Friday. A building code enforcement officer said the ruins consist mainly of brick and wood. He did not know when demolition work on the building might resume again.
The site is within the downtown entertainment district. The ability for pedestrians to move freely from between businesses and venues is part of its appeal.