PORT ARTHUR, Texas — For over half a century Rose Hill Manor doubled as a museum and venue for southeast Texans to celebrate huge milestones. The once prominent estate, still open to the public, is in dire need of some tender love and care.
Recently, some are saying the historical home is falling apart, and it's presenting a safety hazard.
Nikki Makysymchuck lives across the street, and visits the estate everyday. To her, it's the heart of Port Arthur. Makysymchuck's main concern is the deterioration and lack of restoration over the past 10 years.
"It's becoming a public concern because it's basically just falling apart and deteriorating, and it's quite heartbreaking to the citizens of Port Arthur," Makysymchuck said.
Makysymchuck wonders where the funding allocated for the manor is going. The estate was built in 1906 for mayor Rome Hatch Woodworth, and was donated to Port Arthur in 1947. Makysymchuck doesn't feel the city has done their part in keeping it up. Rose Hill is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, meaning it can't be demolished.
Makysymchuck isn't the only one who's concerned. Paula Rollison and Keith Daws agree.
"If they don't do anything, it won't be long these porches will be collapsing," Daws said.
However, the group knows restoration won't happen over night. They hope to work with the city to get it where it needs to be.
Adam Saunders is the director of the civic center for the city of Port Arthur. Rose Hill falls under his department. He said the city understands the historical significance of the building, and it's important to them.
"We do have a long range plan that we're working through, we do have some funding coming up in the fall where we should be able to do a project, and be able to address some of these issues," Saunders said.
The city is aware of the concerns, and they plan to tackle some of the exterior issues first. They've also already replaced some windows and stopped some of the water intrusion by making repairs to the chimney, according to Saunders.
As far as safety hazards, Saunders said there aren't any the city is ware of. He said they appreciate the interest, and appreciate the concern. They're looking forward to doing their best to take care of the problems.
While the city works on their end, Makysymchuck is working on a plan of her own. She, along with Rollison and Daws don't want to focus on the past, but instead on the future.
"I've reached out to the city of Port Arthur and Adam to try to being a volunteer program on the things that are within our grasps, smaller projects, maybe even see if there are volunteers that are actually certified architects that could assist," Makysymchuck said.