1235 Piety St.

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 indicates the original building was likely constructed sometime in between 1915 and 1925. The building doesn’t appear on the fire insurance map until 1937 as a one-story, two-family residential building. The estimated date of construction is towards the end of the period of significance for the local historic district and is contributing rated. The building also appears to have retained nearly all its original scale, massing, siting, roof form and footprint to this day.  

• The alternatives to demolition that have been explored by the applicant: None are known.

• The difficulty or impossibility of reproducing such a building or structure because of its design, texture, material or detail: Rehabilitation of the building twould not be particularly difficult or prohibitively expensive.  

• The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District:  This one-story Craftsman retains most of its original architectural features, including the multi light attic window, sidelights, and transoms. The exposed rafter tails, knee brace brackets, and original gable roof remain intact. Although new doors and side windows have been added, the overall character of the building is still well preserved.