1128 Lowerline St.

District: Uptown - Partial Control

Owner: Charlene M Smith

HDLC Staff: Jesse Stephenson

Rating: Non-Contributing

Applicant: Asper Construction and Development Group

Permit #: 24-31371-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”: Non-Contributing

• The importance of the building or structure to the tout ensemble of the area:  None

• The alternatives to demolition that have been explored by the applicant: New Construction of a two-family residential building.

• The difficulty or impossibility of reproducing such a building or structure because of its design, texture, material or detail: None

• The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District:  None

Recommendations: 

FEMA survey research estimates 1128 Lowerline was constructed circa 1960-70, outside the period of significance for the Uptown historic district. The building is built slab on grade with stick framing and brick veneer cladding. The buildings low pitched roofs and generally squatty nature does not inherently fit the context of the blockface or the district at large. The HDLC does not have jurisdiction over what goes back but the applicant has submitted a redevelopment plan to construct a new two-family residential building. Due to the Non-contributing rating and the other aforementioned reasons Staff has no object to the demolition.

• Staff Recommendation:  No objection