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Land bank explores rescuing historic home at 323 West Wall; owner may donate to avoid demolition
Summary
Board members discussed an effort to save a historic house at 323 West Wall. The owner owes about $9,000 in back taxes and faces demolition costs estimated at $5,0007,000; the land bank agreed staff should contact the owner and interested contractors and report back next month.
The Fort Scott Land Bank on Jan. 27 discussed an offer to try to save a historic home at 323 West Wall that the city had scheduled for demolition.
A board member reported contractors had expressed interest in restoring the house if the land bank could secure the property and provide a clear title. The present owner reportedly owes about $9,000 in back taxes; the board was told demolition would add roughly $5,0007,000 in charges, which would leave the owner owing an estimated $17,000'0,000 if the house is razed and the lot cleared.
Why it matters: Board members said preserving a repairable historic house could return a rehabilitated home to the tax rolls faster than building new construction on an empty lot and could offer an option for lower-cost housing than newly built homes.
The board discussed possible approaches: the owner could quitclaim or warranty-deed the property to the land bank (warranty deed preferred for clear title), the land bank could accept a donation and then solicit bids or development proposals with deed restrictions or a development agreement requiring roof repairs and visible progress on rehabilitation within a set timeframe. Board members noted typical development-agreement timeframes on lot sales have ranged from 12 to 24 months.
Pat advised the board to obtain a title search before accepting an interest in the property, because liens such as child support claims or other filings can cloud title even when no mortgage exists. The board asked the member who raised the issue to contact the owner and interested contractors immediately; the city had already delayed demolition in December to allow time to explore options, and the land bank was asked to report back at the next meeting.
No formal vote was recorded; the board agreed to pursue preliminary negotiations, check title, and return with recommended next steps. Several board members emphasized that a lot with clear title is preferential to a lot without clear title, and that deed type (quitclaim vs. warranty) affects the land bank's ability to convey the property to future developers.
Ending: The land bank will follow up with the homeowner and contractors, obtain title information, and present options to the board next month; if the donation or title clearance cannot be achieved before the city’s timeline, demolition may proceed.
