Pike-Fletcher-Terry House lawsuit approaches trial

Lawsuit Over Historic Pike-Fletcher-Terry House Heads Toward Trial

The ongoing lawsuit involving the heirs of the Pike-Fletcher-Terry House in Little Rock continues to unfold as both sides prepare for a trial scheduled for October. Built by Confederate general Albert Pike in 1840, this historic mansion has been at the center of a legal dispute between the heirs, the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, and the city of Little Rock over the property’s upkeep and use.

The lawsuit, filed by Susan Terry Borné and five other heirs, alleges that the city has failed to maintain the property as per the conditions of the original deed, which stated that the house should be used for public benefit as part of the Arkansas Arts Center. The heirs claim that the city’s lack of investment in the property’s restoration has breached these conditions, potentially allowing the property to revert back to them.

With a hearing set for the lawsuit, the city and the heirs remain at odds. The city stands by its stance that it has invested in minor capital projects at the house, although the exact extent of this investment is unclear. Meanwhile, the heirs argue that the city has failed in its responsibilities and that a more comprehensive restoration effort is necessary to preserve the property’s cultural significance.

As the trial approaches, options for the future of the Pike-Fletcher-Terry House remain uncertain. Some suggest exploring alternative partnerships with organizations like the University of Arkansas Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design to share the burden of restoration and provide a new cultural purpose for the property. Others propose that the city and the heirs find a middle ground to ensure the continued use and preservation of this important piece of Little Rock’s history.

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