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Webster Groves historic panel approves demolition request for 219 Newport Avenue
Summary
The Webster Groves Historic Preservation Commission approved a demolition request for a 1939 bungalow at 219 Newport Avenue after discussing structural and lot constraints and reviewing submitted plans.
The Webster Groves Historic Preservation Commission approved a demolition request for a house at 219 Newport Avenue during its meeting, concluding the property’s structural problems and site constraints justified demolition rather than repair.
Commission members and staff reviewed the property’s history and condition before voting to approve the request by voice vote. A staff member told the commission the house was built in 1939, remodeled in 1952 and has had more than a dozen owners; the current owner has lived there for about 23 years. The owner’s application cited basement water problems and an undersized garage that sits below street level as key reasons they say make repair impractical.
The discussion centered on whether the house contributes to the overall street character. The staff member said the row of homes on that side of Newport share a brick-cottage aesthetic and that the house at 219 Newport is “a little bungalow” with some unique features but did not appear to have strong historic significance based on the commission’s preliminary research. The commission noted the applicant provided plans for replacement construction; members said the design of any new house would be considered through the normal architectural review process.
Contractor Tracy attended the discussion and provided the application materials and plans, which commission members said they had received. Commissioners also discussed how to record attendees in the minutes; staff indicated Tracy should be noted as present under the demolition discussion rather than listed as a visitor.
A commission member moved to approve the demolition request; another member seconded. The chair called for the vote and members responded in the affirmative. Hearing no opposition, the commission chair said the demolition request for 219 Newport Avenue was approved.
The commission did not record a numeric roll-call tally in the meeting transcript; the approval was taken by voice vote. Staff will finalize meeting minutes and an architectural-review process will apply to any proposed replacement structure.
