SPRINGDALE — Long-delayed repair of a downtown historic building will take a bit longer.
The City Council Health, Sanitation and Property Maintenance Committee gave Jim Cypert, the owner of the Jeff Brown Hatchery building, until the first council meeting of June to begin work. The city notified Cypert in June 2011 about problems with the building, according to a letter from Tom Evers, chief building inspector for the city.
At A Glance (w/logo)
Jeff D. Brown & Co.
Jeff Brown was a leader in the Springdale poultry industry, but started out as an apple farmer. Brown grew up on a farm between Cave Springs and Lowell where he helped his mother raise chickens. In 1921 Brown started the first commercial hatchery in Springdale. In 1941 Brown opened a second hatchery in Lincoln and a feed mill in Anderson, Mo. in 1945. In 1944 Brown purchased the building at 317 East Emma and moved hatchery operation there. He died of a heart attack in 1965.
Source: Arkansas Historic Preservation Program
The council has granted Cypert time to begin the renovation, said Jeff Watson, alderman.
“We have bent over backward trying to get this building renovated,” said Jeff Watson, committee chairman. “Nobody wants to tear it down because it is of historical interest.”
Other property owners have received more time to make repairs, Watson said.
The building, 317 E. Emma Ave., was one of the first chicken hatcheries in Springdale, owned by Brown’s company. The structure, along with the original Tyson Headquarters next door at 319 E. Emma Ave., are part of the Springdale Poultry Industry Historic District.
The building, purchased by the Brown company in 1944, was built in 1923, according to county records. The two-story addition in the back was added in 1944. The building is appraised at $107,750, not including land.
The repair mentioned in the letter included replacing or repairing the roof; replacing rotting wood; replacing broken door jambs and windows; repairing brickwork on outside walls; and making sure the plumbing, electrical and heating systems are functional.
Cypert told the committee construction was delayed because of the contractor’s medical problems, Watson said.
The renovation would secure the building and improve the interior after a lease has been secured, Cypert said. Cypert told the committee at several meetings he plans to spend $30,000 on the exterior.
Kathy Jaycox, alderwoman, said she was disappointed work hasn’t started.
“This process has gone on too long, in my opinion,” Jaycox said.
The Downtown Alliance, whose members represent several Springdale organizations, is trying to revitalize the area. The Razorback Greenway, a 36-mile trail that will run from Fayetteville to Bella Vista, will go within two blocks of the Brown Building.
Jaycox said the structure is in the worst repair of all downtown. “Nobody would want to purchase property next to it, or build near it,” Jaycox said.
Walter Turnbow, a retired businessman who is a member of the alliance, said he thought the city ordinance should be respected.
Progress on the building should begin soon, Watson said.
“Something has got to be done,” Watson said.