Purcell vows to restore Cape Girardeau's Ponder House in wake of fire damage

A published notice giving Cape Girardeau County Commissioner Jay Purcell 30 days to complete repairs to the Ponder House following a February fire isn't a sign of impatience, Cape Girardeau housing assistance coordinator Steve Williams said Tuesday.

Instead, Williams said, it is a routine action by the city designed to put property owners on notice that they must show progress toward repairing damaged buildings.

"That is a notice that comes out with everyone and it is part of the process we have to go through according to our ordinance," he said.

The Ponder House, named after railroad executive A.R. Ponder, was built in 1905. Purcell purchased the house and converted it into Lincoln House, an extended-stay bed and breakfast. An overnight fire Feb. 9 severely damaged the home at the intersection of William Street and Louisiana Avenue.

Purcell said Tuesday he intends to restore the home as closely as possible to its original condition.

"We do feel a keen responsibility," Purcell said. "We are going to rebuild it."

The fire, sparked by a halogen light, was ruled an accident by the state fire marshal's office, Purcell said.

On March 14, Cape Girardeau city officials published a notice giving Purcell 14 days to begin repairs or demolish the building and 30 days to complete the work. That is a routine notice given to owners of all fire-damaged properties, Williams said.

Purcell said he has contacted the city and the house presents issues that make finalizing repair estimates with insurance adjusters more difficult than a modern suburban home.

Repair costs will likely run into "hundreds of thousands" of dollars, Purcell said.

"It is just coming down to time lines and who is capable of doing the work," Purcell said. "In my estimation, the house will have to be gutted down to the two-by-fours."

The house, listed with the National Register of Historic Places, had extensive hardwood construction and heavily damaged hardwood trim that must be reproduced and replaced, Purcell said. The extras in the house mean extra work for insurance adjusters and work will begin as soon as an agreement is reached, he said.

Purcell said he understands the need to publish the public notice and supports the policy it enforces.

"That is the way it is supposed to work," he said. "It is meant to spur activity of the property owners, to make their property livable. My building was no different."

Once the initial notice period is complete, a landowner meets with city officials and is given a chance to explain the work that will be needed, Williams said. At that time, the landowner is generally given a 30- or 60-day period to complete the work, with extensions as needed.

rkeller@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent address:

141 S. Louisiana Ave., Cape Girardeau, MO