Owner launches probe after downtown building is defaced

David Peavy turns to social media for solutions, not police

Graffiti spray-painted on 1894 City Market, previously known as the Ritchie Grocery Building, prompted a personal investigation by the building’s owner on social media.

Monday morning, David Peavy posted a photo of the graffiti on the Facebook page of 1894 Second Saturday Trade Days, the monthly market held in front of the building at Front and Olive streets downtown. It shows “I love you so much” painted in black cursive script on the building’s northwest brick wall, along with a red heart. The graffiti was painted between Saturday evening and Monday morning.

“We need your help!! We would appreciate everyone looking at Facebook Snapchat twitter Instagram and help us find who defaced our building. Or if anyone saw who did this $100 reward will be given,” the photo’s caption says.

By Monday afternoon, the post had reached more than 11,400 people and been shared 137 times, and dozens of internet sleuths were commenting with tips and speculation about clues in the

photo, Peavy said.

“This is taking on a life of its own,” he said. He has not yet involved the police.

“They would not be as fast as what we’re doing,” he said.

There may not be any need for the police even if he discovers the culprits, Peavy said.

“I’m probably going to give them a chance to make it right before we go public,” he said. Only if they did not cooperate would he involve Texarkana, Ark., Police Department.

Removing the graffiti will probably cost around $250, he said. By Monday afternoon, an 1894 City Market employee using a pressure washer had removed some of the graffiti, but most of it was still visible.

“Hopefully, it won’t cause any permanent damage,” Peavy said. “It’s going to be perfectly fine at some point.”

Peavy is renovating the building, which began as a produce warehouse in 1894, to house loft apartments, art galleries, retail space and an outdoor stage for Front Street Plaza. Its age makes it a popular background for photographers taking portraits downtown. On Twitter: @RealKarlRichter

Staff photo by Karl Richter Graffiti is power-washed from 1894 City Market on Monday afternoon in downtown Texarkana, Ark. The building, formerly known as the Ritchie Grocery Building, was defaced over the weekend. Its owner is taking to social media to investigate.