NATCHEZ —Arlington owner Thomas Vaughan is starting external repairs to the historic home.

Municipal Court Judge Pro Tem Tony Heidelberg said Vaughan is making efforts to work on the estate following a series of court proceedings that nearly cost the homeowner thousands of dollars.

Vaughan appeared in court in June 2013 for violating the city’s code regarding overgrown properties, however, Heidelberg said the owner has shown improvement as of late.

Vaughan resides in Jackson, but has been traveling to Natchez to work on Arlington, which suffered severe fire damage in 2002, destroying the roof and the second floor of the home.

The fire-damaged roof was replaced shortly after the fire, but the home was later vandalized.

“The main thing is taking down the graffiti and start to make the house externally look like a grand home,” Heidelberg said.

Heidelberg said Vaughan has visited with the court to give an update every other month.

“We are working with (Vaughan) to keep things moving,” Heidelberg said. “At this point, he’s not in violation or contempt of any city ordinance. He’s doing a good job with the grass.”

Vaughan has since kept the grass cut and is now working on the home’s fence.

Arlington was named the second most endangered historic property in Mississippi by the Mississippi Heritage Trust in 2009, but Heidelberg said Vaughan hopes to turn that around.

“There is a big light on the city,” Heidelberg said. “His property is not the only endangered property in the area. There are others who are similarly situated to (Vaughan), who will likely get an ordinance with the court because of the condition of their property.”