Public concern deepened at the January 13 Oxford Commissioners meeting as town officials laid out the circumstances that led to the condemnation of the Robert Morris Inn at 314 North Morris Street, and residents warned that delays could result in permanent damage to one of Oxford’s most historic buildings.
Town Manager Holly Wahl, in her report to the council (video highlight), said the town had been tracking worsening conditions at the property for months after repeated property maintenance notices went unanswered. A town inspection found significant deterioration, including ceiling damage from ongoing water intrusion, pooled water on interior floors, visible staining, and peeling ceiling materials. No corrective action was taken by the property owner.
The situation escalated in early January when multiple residents reported a strong gas odor coming from the building. The Oxford Fire Department responded and determined that a pilot light that had been extinguished on an appliance had allowed gas to leak into the structure. Fire officials shut off the gas supply and observed active water leakage inside the building, despite dry weather, indicating an internal issue unrelated to rainfall.
“Based on these findings, the town determined that the property posed a serious threat to public health and safety and declared it unsafe,” Wahl said. A condemnation notice was issued on January 6, utilities were disconnected, and temporary closures were placed around sidewalks and parking areas adjacent to the building.
During public comment, residents repeatedly stressed the building’s historic importance and the urgency of intervention. One speaker called the inn “one of the most important historic buildings in Oxford,” warning that it “may be experiencing what can become irreversible damage.” Another urged the town to move quickly to prevent further deterioration.
Several speakers advocated seeking a court-appointed receiver to stabilize the property. “The real thrust of appointing a receiver is the issue of standing,” one resident said. “Only the owner has standing. Since the owner has effectively abandoned the property, that gives the town the opportunity to petition for a receiver.”
Residents also pressed officials on what actions might follow. Wahl said the town currently lacks legal access to the building. “We would need a court order to be able to do that,” she said, confirming that the town is pursuing that option.
Edward M. Gabriel says
Robert Morris was called the financier of the American Revolution, but little do we know what that exactly meant. At a time when George Washington’s troops were out of money, clothing, food and soldier salaries, Morris stepped in to provide needed cash. Some believe that had he not stepped in at that important time, Washington would not have been able to keep his troops together on their final march to Yorktown, which was the decisive battle in winning the war. That building should be saved and turned into an important Revolutionary war museum.
Jane Phelan says
Who is the owner of the building? Never identified in the story!
James Smith says
Morris Street Development LLC
David Snyder
Paul Callahan says
It is my understanding that the owner who is not a local businessman, was new to the Resturant / Inn business and got in way over his head. He then decided to turn the entire Inn Into condo units which was denied by the town. Not getting what he wanted and not able to run a viable Resturant or Inn it appears his plan is to allow it to quickly decay or possibly even burn down so that he can use the real-estate for other purposes. This certainly posses an interesting dilemma for historic properties owned by private individuals. It certainly is in the public’s interest to preserve historic properties such as this Inn and owners have a responsibility to the public to do so. Though I have never been a fan of government intervention into private business affairs, I believe the Town of Oxford needs to take appropriate action to preserve and protect this historic treasure.
Jane Phelan says
Hear, Hear! It would be both tragic and criminal to allow this historic property to be destroyed because of neglect.