Fort Hood begins demolition of Reynolds House

Courtesy Photo | Current state of the Reynolds House scheduled for demolition April 14, 2015.  

FORT HOOD, TX, UNITED STATES

04.14.2015

Courtesy Story

Fort Cavazos Public Affairs Office

FORT HOOD, Texas - Fort Hood began demolition of the historic Reynolds House here at 8 a.m. April 14 after a lengthy process that determined the building to be unsafe and too costly to repair.

In 2013, Directorate of Public Works officials relocated the Red Cross after Fort Hood building inspectors determined the building unsafe for use. Officials then obtained Texas State Historic Preservation Office approval to demolish the building.

Fort Hood also contacted the Reynolds family to allow them the opportunity to tour the facility and understand the plans for demolition.

Officials then notified the Killeen Area Historical Association of their decision. The KAHA looked into to restoring the building but also found that it would be too costly to repair.

Reasons the building was determined unsafe include: the building contains asbestos and lead paint; it has faulty wiring and lacks fire protection. The building also is not in compliance with the American Disabilities Act and force protection requirements. In addition, the building's foundation has failed, which caused severely uneven floors.

Officials will keep the historical marker near the property and a scaled replica of the Reynolds House will be constructed for future display. Select artifacts will also be collected and stored for future display.

• Date Taken: 04.14.2015
• Date Posted: 04.14.2015 17:17
• Story ID: 159978
• Location: FORT HOOD, TX, US