City set to demo buildings along Procter Street, old water plant
Published 7:03 pm Friday, June 10, 2016
- Darlene Pierre, demolition supervisor for the City of Port Arthur, stands in front of the old Walgreens, 443 Procter St., which is one of several dilapidated buildings on the street set for demolition. The demolition is a Hurricane Recovery Project. Mary Meaux/The News
A set of once elegant and bustling buildings along the 400 block of Procter Street have seen better days.
They housed businesses such as Walgreens, Keyhole Club, The Regency and a museum dedicated to the three high schools that at one time existed in Port Arthur are all set for demolition.
Beneath the decay of rotted wood, broken windows, collapsed walls and roofs is hint of the elegance of bygone days. Marble-like façade and a revolving door adorn one building at 436 Procter St. A look through the broken display windows at a next door building shows the dilapidated “Regency” marquee sits amid rubbish.
A group of buildings in the 400 block of Procter Street are set for demolition.
Mary Meaux/The News
Representatives of the city are set to open bids on the demolition project this month. Properties include: 424 Procter St., 428 Procter St., 436 Procter St and 444 Procter St. as well as two across the street at 435 and 443 Procter.
Darlene Pierre, demolition supervisor with the City of Port Arthur, said demolition is funded by the Texas General Land Office and allocated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through Community Development Block Grants program. The money is tied to Hurricane Ike Round 2.2 disaster recovery grants.
Pierre said one of the structures — Wellborns, is still open and operational and will not be demolished. The to-be-demolished buildings have been vacant for decades.
In addition, commemorative bricks in front of the former high school museum will stay untouched.
“This demolition is essential for us to implement the city’s downtown plan and to continue the process of improving downtown,” Port Arthur City Manager Brian McDougal said.
The water treatment plant, 1401 E. 19th St., was built in the 1920’s and closed for 18 years is set for demolition.
Mary Meaux/The News
In addition to the commercial structures on Procter Street that are set for demolition there is a separate project, also funded through grant money, to demolish the near 100 year old water treatment plant located at 1401 E. 19th St.
The plant was constructed in the 1920’s and has been closed for 18 years, Pierre said.
“Everything at the old water treatment plant will be demolished, filled in and tanks taken out,” she said, adding that what will be left is green space. “There are no specific plans for the property.”
A total of $785,000 has been allotted for demolition of the water treatment plant.
Mary Meaux: 409-721-2429
Twitter: @MaryMeauxPANews
