HOT SPRINGS FIRE DEPARTMENT EVALUATION REPORT HOWE HOTEL. 201 Central Avenue November 1, 2012

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1 HOT SPRINGS FIRE DEPARTMENT EVALUATION REPORT HOWE HOTEL 201 Central Avenue November 1, 2012

2 A BRIEF HISTORY The Howe Hotel was one of the most important hotels built on Central Avenue during the 1920 s. Built by William Howe in 1926, the hotel was designed by Theo Sanders and Frank Ginocchio, the same architects that worked on the Majestic Hotel in Both men worked in Hot Springs from the early 1900 s into the 30 s. In 1914, they designed the original Leo N. Levi Hospital on Whittington Avenue. In 1915, Sanders worked alone on the Como Hotel at Central and Ouachita Avenues. Both men worked together on the Bledin Hotel at 225 Central Avenue in the early twenties, which is now the location of the Arlington Hotel parking lot. In 1927, Sanders and Ginocchio joined with Charles Thompson on the design for the Wade Clinic, the Park Hotel and the Riviera Hotel, which were all built in They were very significant architects of this time period. Many of their buildings (including the Como, Bledin, and Riviera hotels) have been demolished. In 1946, the Howe Hotel was purchased by Mr. And Mrs. John Asimos and renamed the DeSoto Hotel. It is currently owned by Norman Clifton and is again being called the Howe Hotel.

3 STANDARD COMMERCIAL 20TH CENTURY DESIGN

4 BUILT IN 1926

5 BUILDING DETAILS Type II Construction (non combustible concrete and steel) Promoted as a FIREPROOF hotel 8 Stories 1st and 2nd Floors (Bathhouse/Retail) 3rd through 7th Floors (Hotel Rooms) 8th Floor (Private Penthouse)

6 SINGLE STAIRWELL

7 BUILDING ELEMENTS Red brick exterior with white glazed terra cotta decorative panels Double hung windows of varying sizes Interior walls/ceiling coverings consist of plaster over lathe

8 BUILDING ELEMENTS, CONTINUED Poured concrete on steel floor/ceiling assemblies separate and provide a high degree of fire separation between floors. This type of construction maintains a high degree of structural integrity over its life span as verified during this evaluation.

9 CURRENT STATUS Exterior The exterior is in decent shape. A new roof has been installed within the last five years. The brick facade has minor erosion consistent with its age. No structural hazards were noted during this evaluation.

10 South Elevation

11 East Elevation This section of this building is where an addition has been torn down. However unappealing, this area has been secured and currently presents no hazards.

12 West Elevation

13 Northeast Elevation

14 Interior The interior of the structure has not fared as well as the exterior. Major roof leaks over the years have lead to significant damage throughout. Vandalism, theft, and fire damage also have contributed to the interior s poor condition. However, the first and second floors have had recent upgrades and are in good condition. A retail shop currently is located on the first floor. Salvaged flooring from the penthouse

15 Fire damage from decades past

16 Second floor mezzanine area open to retail space below

17 All corridors have had suspended acoustical ceilings installed below the original plaster ceilings to cover ventilation ductwork, piping and electrical conduit.

18 FLOOR PLANS FIRST FLOOR

19 MEZZANINE

20 SECOND THROUGH SIXTH FLOORS

21 ROOF

22 Safety Issues During the evaluation, two items were noted that currently pose a risk to the general public and those associated with this structure. 1. Decorative terra cotta tiles have cracked and could fall into the public right of way. 2. Storage of combustible materials. *Both of these items have been addressed with the owner, and corrective actions are currently underway.

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24 The future of this structure It appears in the near future that this historic structure will have new ownership with intent to do a complete rehabilitation. This rehabilitation will have to include the following components to meet the minimum requirements of today s code: Complete fire protection system, including a sprinkler system, standpipes, fire pump and fire alarm throughout. Secondary means of egress (additional stairwell).

25 Summary The building s current condition is fair. The roof has been repaired, halting any further deterioration. The original construction method has maintained its structural integrity with no safety issues noted during this evaluation. This building has the potential to once again be a significant asset to the downtown area. Nathan Schanlaber Nathan Schanlaber Fire Marshal Hot Springs Fire Department