Mallory-Neely House Q & A

11/18/10

Why is the Mallory-Neely House closed?

The Historic Properties of the Memphis Pink Palace Family of Museums (including the Mallory-Neely House) were closed to the public in the spring of 2005 due to budget shortfalls. In April of 2010, one full-time staff person was hired to manage the house with a view to reopening it.

Why can’t the Mallory-Neely House be re-opened right now?

In 2005 U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the City of Memphis agreed to a plan regarding Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance at all City-owned facilities including Mallory-Neely House. The House must be in compliance with this plan before it can be opened to the public. The plan includes offering an audio-visual tour of Mallory-Neely House to disabled visitors. In order to effectively offer that audio-visual tour at the Mallory-Neely House Carriage House, the Carriage House’s entrance, interior, public restrooms; and parking lot also will be made compliant with the ADA.

What is the City of Memphis doing to meet the A.D.A. requirements for opening the Mallory-Neely House?

In August, 2010, A.D.A. consultants for the City of Memphis  submitted their report. In response to this report, General Services Division has been tasked to submit a proposal with cost estimates and a schedule for the work.

Are there any other improvements that need to be made to the Mallory-Neely House prior to opening?

It is essential that we stabilize the house so that it does not suffer further deterioration, particularly from water penetrating the roof, windows, and walls. The time during which the ADA-related work is being done is an opportunity to do this work as well. The City of Memphis has allocated $300,000 to replace the house’s slate roof and make related roof repairs. The architects for the project are Clark-Dixon. The programming phase has been completed and the design phase is well underway. Funds not utilized will be used for window replacements and repairs. Additional funds may be needed to complete those repairs.

What are the plans for the Mallory-Neely House after the City of Memphis meets the A.D.A. requirements and it re-opens?

After these A.D.A. improvements have been made and the Mallory-Neely House is open to the public; the City of Memphis has plans to make the Mallory-Neely House’s 1st floor handicapped visitor accessible. It should be noted that making the 1st floor of the Mallory-Neely House A.D.A. compliant is above and beyond the DOJ/City of Memphis agreement.

For now, until the A.D.A. requirements are met, who can tour the grounds and interior of the Mallory-Neely House?

Until the DOJ agrees that the Mallory-Neely House and its related facilities and grounds are in compliance with the 2005 agreement, there can be no activities, rentals, meetings, programs, tours, in-doors or out-doors at 652 Adams Avenue

When will the Mallory-Neely House be open?

As soon as the roof and some of the more severely damaged windows are replaced/repaired; the Carriage House’s entrance, interior, and its public restrooms, and the Carriage House Parking Lot are in compliance with the requirements; the audio-visual tours are produced and installed; and the U.S. Department of Justice agrees that those improvements and programs are A.D.A. compliant -- the Mallory-Neely House will re-open to the public. We do not have a detailed schedule or completion date for all those tasks. As we gain information to create a schedule, we will share it with you and post that schedule on the Pink Palace’s website: www.memphismuseums.org

Who do I contact if I have more questions?

Please feel free to contact Wesley Creel with any questions regarding the Mallory-Neely House. The office phone number is 636.2370, e-mail at wesley.creel@memphistn.gov