Historic Hot Springs home temporarily saved from being demolished; locals hope to see it return to its former glory

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – A historic home in Hot Springs was recently temporarily saved from being torn down and several locals said they hope the house can someday return to its former glory.

The Passmore house was built in 1873 and was later placed on the National Register of Historic Places, however, officials at the board meeting on Tuesday said the house may be considered unsafe as there are structure concerns.

According to documents on the resolution involving the condemning of the vacant home, the owners have received multiple notices of violations of the City of Hot Springs Property Maintenance Code including, but not limited to, hazards related to the exterior premises, the condition of the exterior of the structures including structural, etc.

“There are holes in the walls, floors in ceilings, as well as collapsing foundations that are missing bricks,” city planning director Kathy Sellman said.

After the vote, some board members said they wanted to give the home one more chance and see what the city could do to step in.

“I would like to see the city do something to at least secure it. Since it does have a historic designation, it may have preservation money put for it,” Marcia Dobbs-Smith said.

Liz Robbins, executive director for the Garland County Historical Society, said the Passmore house is a beautiful Victorian home and it may be the oldest home in Hot Springs.

“I would love for someone with the funds and passion for it to restore the house,’ Robbins said.

However, the once picturesque home with stained glass can now barely be seen through the overgrown trees. Robbins said the history of the home goes back to when the city was booming.

“The Passmore home on Park Avenue was built by a pharmacist named Dr. William Passmore. He was a doctor because he became a physician as well as a pharmacist,” Robbins said.

Passmore was known for his care and for his home which had a life of its own. Cindy Rodgers, who lives in Park Avenue, hopes someone can preserve the history of the house.

“We have a few standing old homes left and that’s one of them,” Rodgers said. “If they can save it we need to save it, it’s one of our last relics.”

Robbins hopes this piques other people’s interest in history.

“I hope this experience makes people look around and notice the historic treasures we have in Hot Springs and make sure we take care of them,” Robbins said.

During the meeting, the city attorney said he would work with others on the options they can bring to the board on a secure proposal for the home and if it’s feasible.

FOX 16 News has tried to reach out to the property owners by going to the listed address and calling multiple times but has not heard back yet.

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