Natchez historic preservation board reviews efforts to restore Nellie’s brothel

NATCHEZ, Miss. – The owner of the Natchez house that operated as Nellie’s brothel assured city preservation officials that he’s trying to stabilize the dilapidated structure.

At a meeting Wednesday of the Natchez Preservation Commission, J.T. Robinson was warned that the city could take legal action forcing him to take steps to prevent the house’s collapse.

Robinson noted he’s done some work on the 416 North Rankin Street house and sought carpenters to assess what more needs to be done. The commission gained assurances that he’ll concentrate on fixing the leaky roof as his first priority.

The nine-member Preservation Commission is charged with ensuring the architectural and structural integrity of Natchez’s historic district.

Commission member Liz Dantone expressed hopes their discussions Wednesday with Robinson will  “jump-start improvements to secure the outside of the building.”

Nellie Jackson operated the well-known — but illegal — bordello in the corner house on North Rankin and Monroe streets for decades until her death in 1990, when she suffered burns inflicted by a disgruntled patron who threw gasoline on the front porch and set her ablaze.

Jackson’s life and brothel has been the subject of numerous articles published around the world and featured in Mississippi Madam, a 2018 documentary streamed on Amazon Prime.

Robinson bought the house a couple of years ago with an appreciation for its historical-cultural value and a desire to renovate it. However, he said he’s struggled with the construction costs involved.

“As far as the financial aspects of it, I need a little help,” Robinson told the Preservation Commission.

Preservation Commission Chairman Andy Sartin acknowledged Robinson’s intent to save Nellie’s place. “We’re on the same page. We want the building to be stabilized, but as far as financing it — that’s beyond the scope of our duties,” he told Robinson.

Robinson noted Nellie’s fame has made her house “almost at the top of the list for Natchez tourism” as a popular spot for sightseeing. Sartin joked that Robinson should place a donation jar at the house to help raise cash for the house’s renovation.

If Robinson lets the house deteriorate further, the commission could drag him through a “demolition-by-neglect” process, which puts property owners on notice that they must reverse their structures’ dilapidation. If no progress is made, the city can file misdemeanor charges against them and have fines imposed in court.

The Natchez Preservation Commission began its meeting Wednesday announcing that long-serving member Marty Seibert is resigning. “It’s time that we invite some young people to be on this board,” Seibert said. “I was young when I started.”

Seibert said she joined the commission about 30 years ago, when David Armstrong was Natchez mayor 1988-1992.

The Natchez Board of Aldermen will seek applicants for Seibert’s seat and decide who to appoint.