Historic Bryan home scheduled to be demolished

A historic home in Bryan is set to be demolished. It sits on the 600 block of W. 17th Street.

Known as the E.A. Kemp home, the building has been a part of the Bryan community since the early 1900s. In 1987 it was entered into the National Register of Historic Places.

"Mr. Kemp was a very talented individual,” said Wayne Sadberry of the Brazos Valley African American Museum.

In the 1920s E.A. Kemp was the third principal of the Bryan School for Coloreds. Sadberry says Kemp's contributions to those students helped change their lives.

"He was a very aggressive individual,” said Sadberry. “Something a community like this really needed."

While his legacy continues with the Kemp School, his home on 17th is set to be demolished.

"It's sad it had to come to this,” said Sadberry.

For several years now the City of Bryan has said the home needs to be repaired because it's become a safety and health hazard.

Officials with the city say they’ve received several complaints from neighbors about the condition of the building.

Last month, the owner; a relative of Kemp obtained a demo permit. The date is pending for this week.

Sadberry says he's heartbroken it had to come to this, but he plans to keep Kemp’s name alive.

"We'll never forget Mr. Kemp,” he said.