Mallette Posted August 17, 2015 Share Posted August 17, 2015 Well, just spent 2 weeks in Texarkana drinking from a fire hose. We met all the city leadership, civic leaders, downtown property owners and investors, and the museum board leadership. We studied tax and property records and walked miles back and forth downtown. Friday, we complete negotiations with a holding company on the property in these images at about 8.00/sq. ft. We've had an architect look at it and he feels that renovation will be about as low in cost as possible in these old buildings as this one is almost as constructed in 1917. We will close on or before 21 September, barring any serious structural issues the engineer might fine. We're pretty sure he won't. These buildings are built with 20 inch brick firewalls and floor joists of 6X14 inch bull pine that by now you can't drive a nail in. Over the past few years I've gotten to know John Tennison, a Dallas physician who was raised in Texarkana and is one of the world's leading authorities and performers of boogie woogie. In the time I've known him, he's conclusively proved that boogie woogie originated in Marshall, TX and that one of the most used bass lines originated in Texarkana's "Swampoodle" red light district. Scott Joplin was exposed to it there, as well as to "ragged" piano. He was taught by German classical music teacher Julius Weiss the music of Brahms, Gottschalk, and opera. He wrote "Maple Leaf Rag" 2 years after leaving Texarkana and so it's clear that he put the rules of classical to the free form "rags" to create "Ragtime." Ragtime grew up in Sedalia, but it was born in Texarkana. Then, there is Conlon Nancarrow. To keep this shorter, I'll refer to John's performance at Nancarrow descendants home in Texarkana where he explains a lot about Nancarrow and the influence of boogie woogie on his work and plays as well. Nancarrow's work is growing and he is expected to go on the top ten list of American composers soon, which will place two of them in Texarkana. So, that's three forms to celebrate..but wait, there's more! Elvis, Johnny Cash, and many more greats performed and stayed in Texarkana in the 40s and 50s. In fact, it was local radio personality Uncle Dudley who suggested to Col. Tom Parker that he go hear Elvis, which he did and the rest is history. Leadbelly played here, and Otis Williams of the Temptations was raised here. Plenty to celebrate and something for every taste. Finally, there is Klipsch. Texarkana is only a half hour drive to the Hope plant. I expect to work with Klipsch to celebrate PWK as well because he is certainly a part of the area's musical heritage. Heritage speakers for the main listening area is a must, and they have a lot of overflow stuff there that should be seen. I expect to host listening evenings of BYOB and music every weekend which will build traffic. We'll also be working to establish a Scott Joplin Int'l Music and Jazz Festival and possibly what I call a "CowBilly" festival which would celebrate the Texas/Arkansas cultures that meet at the state line. Much to do...but this will be FUN! Hope to have the residence finished or underway by this time next year. Will start working on the Center as well, but no timeline as we are going to need a LOT of help. If anyone can recommend large foundations that smile on such ventures, please do! Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thaddeus Smith Posted August 17, 2015 Share Posted August 17, 2015 So are you fully moving up there, or will this be a part time residence? Texarkana is just 2.5 short hours away from me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mallette Posted August 17, 2015 Author Share Posted August 17, 2015 Full time, sooner I see Houston in a rear view mirror, the better. Dave 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mallette Posted August 20, 2015 Author Share Posted August 20, 2015 (edited) Rough rev. 1 of plans. Purely a first go, so much will change. This is more fun than a person should have. Aside from my family and faith I can think of nothing I love more than Klipsch, music, and history. Got'em all right here a hope to live right in the middle of it! We hope to be about ready to begin the residence part by this time next year, so it will be available first come first serve for Forum friends coming through. 30 minutes to Hope! The center will follow as quickly as funding and plans allow. BTW, this is the first "public" announcement and will remain so for a while as we get things together. While the seller's disclosure shows nothing of concern, we have a structural engineer scheduled for Monday just to be sure. After that, no hurdles but paperwork and closing. Dave Edited August 20, 2015 by Mallette Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimjimbo Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 This sure is a lot more fun to read about than cryogenic treated tubes!! Wow, what a great project, would love to come down and experience it someday. Congrats! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mallette Posted August 20, 2015 Author Share Posted August 20, 2015 I hope everyone will! Klipsch, Ragtime, boogie woogie, jazz, blues, rock n' roll, and the weird esotericism of Nancarrow...something for everybody. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 I see my room 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 Sorry Carl. You got the toaster. It's my room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T2K Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 Sounds like fun Dave. Good luck to you in your adventure. Keith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 Sorry Carl. You got the toaster. It's my room. Ahhhh, if only. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mallette Posted August 20, 2015 Author Share Posted August 20, 2015 Sounds like fun Dave. Good luck to you in your adventure. Keith Come see me, Keith. We can get on the roof and get loud and nobody will call the police... Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minermark Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 Congrats on your new adventure, dreams do come true Good Pics, you got your work cut out for you. As someone who dabbled in the trades, i see lath/plaster, oh boy, and i can just imagian the electrical you are looking at. I know you will see to it, that it's done right. Brick is bad azz, you should have no worries in your life time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mallette Posted August 20, 2015 Author Share Posted August 20, 2015 Yezzir...support/firewalls are nearly 2 feet thick. Fires down there almost never spread to the adjoining building. On plumbing/electrical, upside is that downstairs is already up to code. Upstairs as well...for 1917. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schu Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 Did someone in here mention the genius Conlon Nancarrow? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mallette Posted August 20, 2015 Author Share Posted August 20, 2015 Did someone in here mention the genius Conlon Nancarrow? Yep. The only reason I am not showing more space devoted to him is that I think it will be difficult to locate objects and such associated with him. However, he is equal to Scott Joplin at least in Texarkana music heritage. This piece is by the guy who will be my guide. For all who may wonder who Nancarrow was, this is a great way to be introduced. John Tennison has become my friend over the past few years and is probably the world's leading authority on Boogie Woogie and isn't far behind on Nancarrow, Scott Joplin, the blues, and such. He will be a board member of the Center as well as main musicological source. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izmvbiZAuik Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 Are there applications to be on the board, and if so "what are the hours?" Dave I will expect my room to have a toaster. In exchange you and paw and son will be welcome at my lake house any time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mallette Posted August 20, 2015 Author Share Posted August 20, 2015 I'll see what I can do, Brian... Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 I'll see what I can do, Brian... Dave I'd hold out for hot sauce Dave, especially if he's demanding a toaster. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mallette Posted August 20, 2015 Author Share Posted August 20, 2015 Next stage negotiation, Carl. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 I'd hold out for hot sauce Dave, especially if he's demanding a toaster. LOL. Way ahead of you Carl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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