838 Lowerline St.

Description: Retention of demolition of more than 25% of the primary façade at a multi-family residential building without a Certificate of Appropriateness.

HDLC Guidelines:  

Section 12, Pages 23-24 of the Guidelines for New Construction, Additions and Demolition, state 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. As a result, the HDLC rarely considers the demolition of Significant or Contributing buildings or structures within a local Historic District or on a Landmark site to be an appropriate option.

Case History:

• 4/12/23: HDLC Inspector finds that the original windows have been removed and replaced with inappropriate windows.

• 8/10/22: Staff informs applicant that the windows on the façade must remain wood, with a muntin pattern to match the existing windows; and that removal and replacement with inappropriate windows (more than 25% of the façade's original materials) would constitute façade demolition.

• 8/9/2022: Applicant reaches out to ask Staff what window replacement options would be appropriate.

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Demolition Calculation:

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Public Comment: