2017 List

Pleasant Street Historic District

Endangered List: Back To Main Page
City/County/Congressional District: Hot Springs , Garland County ( District 4 )
Location Class: CommercialResidential
Year Built: 1920s | Year Abandoned: N/A
Historic Designation: Historic District
Status: AbandonedEndangeredDemolished

Located a block east of Malvern Avenue in downtown Hot Springs, the Pleasant Street Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. The district, which includes some 93 buildings, represents the most intact area of the city’s historic African American community. In fact, it is the largest African American historic district in the state. Construction dates in the district range from 1900 to the 1950s and reflect a variety of architectural styles. The district is also significant for its association with John Lee Webb. While landmarks such as Visitor’s Chapel AME Church, the Woodmen of the Union Building and the John Lee Webb House are being preserved, many buildings in the district suffer from deferred maintenance issues and deterioration. These issues, when left unaddressed for long periods of time, have resulted in condemnation and the eventual demolition of historic resources. The district also suffers because of its prime location adjacent to the Hot Springs Convention Center and within walking distance to the Central Avenue Historic District. In this situation, vacant or deteriorating historic buildings are in danger of becoming parking lots.