Historic Preservation Commission: Preservation and Process Updates
Historic Preservation Commission
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Sep 10, 2025 at 06:00 PM
Meeting Information
A meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission focused on reviewing significant historic preservation applications, including a major restoration project for a historic structure, and discussing new city-wide procedures for demolition and preservation to enhance oversight and protect historic resources.
Meeting Summary
Founders Hall Restoration Approved with Conditions
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The Commission unanimously approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for the partial demolition and restoration of the historic 1870 Greek Revival I-house at 1076 Canton Street, known as Founders Hall. [Historic Preservation Commission Minutes p.1] [Video 00:11:54]
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The approval requires the applicant to submit a detailed engineering report, undergo inspection by the chief building official, adhere to phased demolition and shoring plans, and reuse original historic materials where possible. [Historic Preservation Commission Minutes p.1] [Video 00:09:36]
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* Background: This revised plan for partial demolition aims to preserve the historic character of the structure, following a previously deferred application for full demolition. [Video 00:04:37] [Video 01:08:46]
New Retaining Wall at 52 Goulding Place Approved
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An application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace an existing railroad tie retaining wall with concrete blocks at 52 Goulding Place was unanimously approved. [Historic Preservation Commission Minutes p.1] [Video 00:30:40]
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The approval was granted with the condition that the new retaining wall must be screened with landscaping to minimize its visibility from abutting properties and public rights-of-way, addressing concerns about the use of unapproved materials. [Video 00:23:08] [Video 00:29:01]
Enhanced Demolition and Preservation Procedures Implemented
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The Planning and Zoning Director and Chief Building Official presented new city-wide protocols for demolition and partial demolition applications, prompted by the loss of a historic structure at 30 Goulding Place. [Video 00:31:09] [Video 00:31:52]
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New procedures include an initial discussion item before the formal application, requiring structural engineer reports, and mandating phased demolition and shoring plans reviewed by building regulations to ensure structural integrity and preservation. [Video 00:33:19] [Video 00:40:12]
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The discussion also covered "demolition by neglect" standards, emphasizing that property owners cannot allow historic structures to deteriorate to facilitate demolition, with code enforcement and potential court action as recourse. [Video 00:53:05] [Video 00:56:34]
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on Sep 30, 2025
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