Fort Worth to close “eyesore” Victorian Inn

by PegNews wire

FORT WORTH — The City of Fort Worth Code Compliance Department began the final steps in the process, Monday, to close down a hotel that has been a longtime nuisance to residents in South Fort Worth.

In a collaborative effort with the community and the Police, Fire and Public Health Departments, officers and staff from Code Compliance took the owners of the Victorian Inn, 1800 Hemphill St., to the City’s Building Standards Commission in order to shutter the business.

Nestled near schools and churches and tucked in among 100-year-old homes in the Historic Fairmount Neighborhood Association, the Victorian Inn has long since lost its historic charm. Instead it has become a headache and ongoing problem for neighbors who have reported problems with prostitution, drug-dealing and other criminal activities. In addition, the Code and Public Health departments have received numerous complaints about the conditions at the inn, said Code Compliance Assistant Director Brandon Bennett.

“We have tried to work with the Victorian Inn owners over the past 18 months to get them to bring the inn up to code without success,” he said. “They aren’t living up to their responsibilities as property owners.”

A recent inspection found violations of the State code for health and sanitation, including rodent droppings, dirty sheets, live roaches, mold on the floor and walls, broken windows, and sinks that drained directly onto the floor of the restroom. Mattresses were in such poor condition that the city ordered them to be destroyed.

An independent report from a structural engineer found the structure to be unsafe due to major structural stability issues. Staff also found major fire, life and safety issues including unsafe exits, stairways, electrical systems and other similar issues.

The Building Standards Commission ordered the structure vacated by Oct. 2, and secured by Oct. 4. The owner has 60 days to make the required repairs. If the owner does not comply, the City is prepared to initiate additional enforcement action.

Source: City of Fort Worth