City staff presented a request to authorize design and engineering services for the restoration of a city-owned, historic building at 8 River Arts Place that suffered significant flood damage from Tropical Storm Helene.

City Manager Deborah Campbell said the structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and any restoration “has to occur in close coordination with state and federal agency experts.” Campbell told council staff must balance maintaining the building’s historical integrity with maximizing future resilience.

Councilwoman Maggie Ullman (first reference: Councilwoman Maggie Ullman) pressed staff for more information and expressed hesitation about committing public funds to repair a building in a Special Flood Hazard Area (Zone AE). Ullman said she was concerned about setting a precedent: "I guess I would just love some more information… I am not sure that that is a wise investment of public dollars to put something back in the zone." She asked whether rebuilding would be prudent and whether the project would trigger building-code requirements or be treated as a historic, grandfathered structure.

Deborah Campbell and Ben Woody, assistant city manager, said staff will provide follow-up information in the Tuesday staff report, including whether repair costs are reimbursable through FEMA and what resiliency measures are possible within the constraints of the historic designation. Campbell noted the building had previously received a variance in February 2016, and that demolition may be complicated by the historic listing.

Council discussion included operational details: Council member Shanika Smith asked whether Black Wall Street ABL (a tenant) remained under lease and whether the building contains the only public restroom in the area. Staff said those tenancy and use details would be included in the follow-up materials.

No formal council action was taken at the briefing; staff said they will return with additional analysis and a recommendation at the Sept. 9 meeting. Council members signaled they may consider removing the item from consent if they need more time to review the information.