113 replies to this topic

[dangr.dave]

Not quite the dame she once was by dangr.dave, on Flickr

[Zetna]

Maybe not, but looks better than with all the windows broken out.....still looks very sturdy and is now 101 years old!

[Bonfire98A]

The Dillow House has burned down.  I heard a report on WBAP this morning, but wanted to wait until I found online documentation before I posted anything here.

 

http://www.star-tele...-destroyed.html

[John T Roberts]

Yes, I heard it on both Channel 5 and Channel 4.  The Fort Worth Star-Telegram now has an article on the fire.

http://www.star-tele...-destroyed.html

[Austin55]

Speaking of fire damage...I wonder if it'll "mysteriously" burn down at some point.

 

Say, could I borrow your Delorean someday Dave?

[earlbutkus]

It is too bad about the fire. That is another century old house that bites the dust. I can't believe the value of the house was less than 15k.

[Zetna]

I don't know what to think of this...makes me sad...the cynic in me reminds me of the way structures "in the way" of "progress" were taken care of in Dallas in the early 80's. If arson proves to be the case I hope the perpetrator is found out and has the "book thrown at them". Not sure what happens to the lawsuit, but I hope that Fort Worth reworks its Landmarks ordinance that proved to be a problem in this case. Sad for Fort Worth as it has lost another landmark structure whose original owners were so important to the Poly area and TWU.

[John S.]

Suspicious fires occur all too frequently in old vacant houses. Given that the utilities are usually turned off and combustibles often not present the obvious reason is arson. Sometimes the fire is a result of young hoodlums/miscreants with too much idle time on their hands; other times its the homeless or transient squatters leaving a lit cigarette unattended; but in some cases-as anyone who has seen the movie Batteries Not Included knows-there are parties who might benefit from the house being burned down who clandestinely make it happen. Regardless of the reasons behind it, the result is almost always the same: the city quickly declares it a nuisance as well as safety hazard followed by an expedited demolition. I can only echo the sentiments already expressed that Fort Worth has lost too many landmark structures with a rich local history. But the pattern of reaction after the fact rather than a proactive approach of identifying and having the means to protect these structures is the Fort Worth norm and problematic. We are not fortunate enough to have any well funded preservation organizations where a local philanthropist/benefactor bequeaths their millions to preserve and protect local landmarks. I don't know what the solution is but in any case its too late to save this one. Interestingly, the oldest building at TWU dating from the 1890's was also lost to fire some years ago.

[renamerusk]

Oh My Goodness!  Fire is such an unbefitting end for such a historic lady of this neighborhood.

 

Keep Fort Worth folksy

[Ghost Writer in Disguise]

How conveeeenient.

[dangr.dave]

Classic!  The ole burn-down-the-house trick!

[RD Milhollin]

Potential donors of historic property should carefully reconsider before donating it to Texas Wesleyan. Just a thought.

[John T Roberts]

Historic Fort Worth, Inc. filed a motion yesterday to drop the lawsuit.  I haven't checked with our lawyer, but I'm pretty sure that I can talk about the case here on the forum.  In the meantime, here's the link to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram article by Sandra Baker:

 

http://www.star-tele...es-default?rh=1

[John S.]

I find it curious that TWU security personnel are quoted as noting smoke (the fire started on the 2nd floor according to the article) coming from the structure at 9:30 AM yet waited until 12:30 before the fire dept. was contacted. Anyhow, dropping the suit makes sense but the reason for the suit remains unresolved and problematic.