700 Webster St.

District: Uptown - Partial Control

Owner: Home Bank NA

HDLC Staff: Jesse Stephenson

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Zach Smith Consulting

Permit #: 25-15432-HDLC

HDLC Guidelines: 

Section 12, Pages 23-24 of the Guidelines for New Construction, Additions and Demolition states that the demolition of all or portions of historic resources within a local Historic District or Landmark site are considered drastic actions, since they alter the character of the area. Once historic resources or buildings that contribute to the heritage of the community are destroyed, it is generally impossible to reproduce their design, texture, materials, details and their special character and interest in the neighborhood. When reviewing demolition applications at properties located within a Historic District or at a Landmark site, the HDLC uses the following criteria in its evaluations:

• The historic or architectural significance of the building or structure as designated by its “rating”: Contributing

• The importance of the building or structure to the tout ensemble of the area:  FEMA survey research estimates that 700 Webster was constructed circa 1920-1930. The modest building is a raised basement Eclectic Craftsman style building on an architecturally intact block of the Uptown historic district. The building retains it's massing and original footprint.

• The alternatives to demolition that have been explored by the applicant: New construction.

• The difficulty or impossibility of reproducing such a building or structure because of its design, texture, material or detail: Replication of the building may not be cost prohibitive but would be highly unlikely.

• The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District:  The building retains it's Craftsman detailing with it's brackets, shake covered gable, narrow reveal wood weatherboards, eclectic column capitals, wood windows and doors and a truly uninhabited raised basement.

• The condition of the building or structure: 

An interior and exterior inspection was performed on May 22, 2025. The building appeared to be in excellent condition structurally and good condition cosmetically. The building is a raised basement, wood framed building that sits on masonry and concrete chain walls with no masonry slab in the basement level.

The building is clad in wood weatherboards covered with vinyl siding. Wood windows and exterior doors were present throughout the exterior of the building. The exterior also still dons many of it's Craftsman details such as brackets, shake covered gable, and eclectic column capitals. The roof is covered in asphalt shingles that appeared to be in good condition and properly shedding water despite some missing gutters and downspouts, which aren't always required when there is a proper overhang.

The interior of the building is almost completely stripped of the drywall/plaster leaving most of the framing members visible. There was no visible evidence of wood destroying insects or water intrusion. All original structural wall and floor members are in the original configuration and have not be replaced. No parts of the flooring were soft and the building seemed structurally sound.

Staff Recommendations: 

Overall the building was in good to excellent condition despite not being inhabited due to the exposed framing condition. The building appeared to have been in mid rehabilitation more recently. This would further suggest the building is a good candidate for rehabilitation under the proper supervision. It should also be noted that the applicant was made aware after the inspection that Staff would not recommend approval of the demolition. The applicant intends to appeal to City Council if the Commission does not approve the demolition to grade.

700 Webster is an excellent candidate for rehabilitation. Staff recommends denial of the demolition to grade.

• Staff Recommendation:  Denial