3704 Coliseum St

(Previous Demolition Fine Ordinance)

District: Garden District - Partial Control

Owner: Worldwide Kids One LTD

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: David & Marilynn Wohlstadter

Description: Retention of demolition of Contributing rated, one-story accessory structure to grade in deviation of 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.

Retention Items & Recommendations:

Demolition of rear accessory structure in deviation of CofA: Approval with a fine
- Fine Range: $1,000 to $10,000

Staff Recommendations:

Based on Sanborn map research, the rear accessory structure first appears on the 1893 map and seems to have been constructed at the same time as the primary building. The rear accessory also appears to have had similar windows, shutters and siding, as well as a hipped roof with decorative roof ridge tiles and final to match the main building. Based on the age of the building, HDLC considers this a Contributing rated accessory. The property previously received Commission approval to partially demolish more than 25% of the accessory façade to change the existing window to a garage door opening. The Commission approved this request and a CofA was issued in December 2019. Based on Google street view, the accessory was completely demolished to grade no later than March 2022, however, the applicant did not request this additional scope and this work was not approved in advance. If HDLC Staff had been notified about a desire or need to replace the rear accessory, an inspection would have been requested to determine it's current condition and the request would have been scheduled for review by the full Commission, if necessary. The applicant is now requesting retention approval for this unpermitted demolition work. Based on the age of the accessory, its Contributing rating, and because the applicant made no effort to contact HDLC Staff to review this additional demolition scope, Staff recommends approval of the retention application and recommends the Commission levy a fine for the unpermitted work. Because this demolition was completed before August 1, 2022 it is subject to the previous fine schedule of $1,000 to $10,000.

Case History:

12/07/2022: The Commission voted to defer action on this application until the next Commission meeting, as per the applicant request.

11/11/2022: Applicant applies for retention of demolition to grade of rear accessory structure in deviation of a CofA.

11/03/2022: HDLC verified the accessory was demolished to grade without approval and places a Stop Work on the rear accessory reconstruction.

11/02/2022: Safety and Permits places a Stop Work on the property for work in excess of approved plans and notifies HDLC the unpermitted work may include demolition of the rear accessory building.

12/04/2019: Commission approves previous application for demolition of more than 25% of the accessory structure façade to accommodate the introduction of a new garage door and a CofA is issued for this work.