How We See It: Springdale Council On Hold With Land, Structure Decision

The land deal we've described as a great opportunity for Springdale -- a purchase of 40 acres and a log home once owned by famed U.S. Sen. J. William Fulbright -- is getting a slight filibuster at the City Council.

And it deserves one.

What's The Point?

The Springdale City Council is smart to judiciously evaluate the proposed purchase of land containing a historic structure, but we predict all signs will eventually point to the value its acquisition will bring to the city.

Owner Karen Morton has offered the property, which is adjacent to Lake Springdale, J.B. Hunt Park and the future Razorback Greenway, to the city for $1.05 million. From a strict land-acquisition point of view, the purchase seems a good use of park money. But the 106-year-old log structure that's part of the deal may give some people hesitation. After all, what would the city need with such a building?

Nobody's quite sure, but the idea of letting the property slip away, perhaps to the highest bidder, isn't exactly comforting.

"We've not done a good job of preserving our history," said Mike Overton, alderman. "We've been a throw-away city. This is a chance to do a better job."

There are few figures in Northwest Arkansas history bigger than J. William Fulbright. He was among the nation's top movers and shakers during his many years in the Senate. He was a key adviser to presidents and a major influence on foreign policy. How many leaders of today were once known as Fulbright scholars?

But cities aren't often the right organizations to own and operate historical facilities unless they refit them into a municipal use. It's smart for the mayor, aldermen and others interested in this potential purchase to ask questions, such as what should be done with the lodge. Clearly, the land is more valuable to municipal uses than the structure, but someone needs to preserve and protect the building that's been there so long.

One suggestion was letting the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History oversee the lodge's operations, a fine idea if the museum wants it, has a use for it and can afford to operate it. But if the museum isn't an eager participant, one has to believe another option might be preferable. We share the hope the historic building can find a place in Springdale's future.

Springdale needs to be sure they don't fall into the trap other municipalities have become entangled with. Buying a property without a clear purpose is a gamble, one that's been lost in other communities to the point historic buildings have deteriorated and ultimately demolished.

Mark Christ, community outreach director for the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, noted most historic properties remain in their best possible shape through regular use

"You can get demolition by neglect," Christ said.

That would be a shameful end to this structure.

The land is another question, probably one easier to answer. The city can't really go wrong with its acquisition, but aldermen are smart to seek out an appraisal just to be sure they get value for the public dollars they're being asked to expend.

Hopefully, when these fair questions get answers, a purchase will make even more sense than it does today, Springdale will achieve an much-needed expansion of its parks system and Rabbits Foot Lodge, the old log structure, will find a modern life that also serves to remind Springdale of its roots.

Commentary on 03/12/2014

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