Fox on the Road in Siloam Springs: New Beginning for Historic Building
By: Rebecca Jeffrey
Updated: November 8, 2012
Since 1913 the Connelly Harrington home has been a beloved landmark in downtown Siloam Springs.
"He wanted to build it of on top of the hill over looking downtown," says local developer Ron Drake.
Drake says Harrington was instrumental in the towns original development and the house served as a vision for advancement.
Over time the building served as the Ozark Hotel, and even the John Brown Hospital for a short period.
"Older friends would come to me and say they were born here or they remember they broke their arm and they got it mended here," reflects Drake. "So it's kind of a fun history."
Today it's the headquarters for Drake Renovation and Construction, INC. But just 10 months ago the historical building was almost a total loss.
"My wife and I were wakened by a Sheriff telling us that our favorite building, our office building, the Connelly Harrington house was on fire," remembers Drake. "And it was a devastating fire."
The damage was catastrophic. A piece of history burned before their eyes.
"That was literally the thing I was worried about the most when the fire started. How much of the original 8 foot tall pocket doors are we going to lose? That kind of stuff. How much are we going to be able to save?"
The third floor was gone, and the rest of the house had 4-thousand gallons worth of water damage. But while some contractors told Drake to knock it down, he saw it as a challenge to rebuild.
"We literally were able to rise up out of the ashes and do incredible things. My best project I've ever done."
But he left one door as a scar, and as a reminder of the buildings vitality.
"It's kinda cool to go ahead and keep the memory of the fire. That the building sustained a fire and it survived."
Walking through the Connelly Harrington home now it's clear its age is only a number.
"Now as people walk through the building. What they will see is still a beautifully restored historic building. People that love historic buildings, which a lot of people do, are going to appreciate what they see in here."
"He wanted to build it of on top of the hill over looking downtown," says local developer Ron Drake.
Drake says Harrington was instrumental in the towns original development and the house served as a vision for advancement.
Over time the building served as the Ozark Hotel, and even the John Brown Hospital for a short period.
"Older friends would come to me and say they were born here or they remember they broke their arm and they got it mended here," reflects Drake. "So it's kind of a fun history."
Today it's the headquarters for Drake Renovation and Construction, INC. But just 10 months ago the historical building was almost a total loss.
"My wife and I were wakened by a Sheriff telling us that our favorite building, our office building, the Connelly Harrington house was on fire," remembers Drake. "And it was a devastating fire."
The damage was catastrophic. A piece of history burned before their eyes.
"That was literally the thing I was worried about the most when the fire started. How much of the original 8 foot tall pocket doors are we going to lose? That kind of stuff. How much are we going to be able to save?"
The third floor was gone, and the rest of the house had 4-thousand gallons worth of water damage. But while some contractors told Drake to knock it down, he saw it as a challenge to rebuild.
"We literally were able to rise up out of the ashes and do incredible things. My best project I've ever done."
But he left one door as a scar, and as a reminder of the buildings vitality.
"It's kinda cool to go ahead and keep the memory of the fire. That the building sustained a fire and it survived."
Walking through the Connelly Harrington home now it's clear its age is only a number.
"Now as people walk through the building. What they will see is still a beautifully restored historic building. People that love historic buildings, which a lot of people do, are going to appreciate what they see in here."
