St. Augustine Board Reviews Partial Demolition Proposal for 1924 Residential Building

In a pivotal meeting on August 21, 2025, the St. Augustine Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) addressed significant concerns regarding the preservation of historic structures in the city. A key topic was the application for partial demolition of a residential building located at 24 McCarris Street, constructed between 1924 and 1930, which is part of the Fuller Ward Park Residential National Register Historic District.

The board, having previously discussed this application, noted that the applicant, represented by James Whitehead of St. John's Law Group, had modified their request from full demolition to partial demolition. This change came after the board's earlier approval of alterations, including wholesale window replacements and new siding. The applicant's current proposal aims to address economic hardships while still preserving the building's massing and scale from the front.

During the meeting, board members emphasized the importance of sight line studies and the need for detailed conceptual plans to ensure the integrity of the historic site. A motion was made to continue the discussion on this application until the next meeting on September 18, allowing time for further review and input from the community.

The board's commitment to preserving St. Augustine's architectural heritage was evident as they navigated the complexities of balancing development needs with historical significance. The outcome of this ongoing discussion will be closely watched by residents and preservationists alike, as it could set a precedent for future applications involving historic properties in the area.