Historic preservation commission approves demolitions at two Webster Groves houses

The Webster Groves Historic Preservation Commission on March 11 approved requests to demolish two properties: one listed in the staff report as 508 North Allen Avenue (also referenced in the meeting as 508 North Elm Avenue) and 335 Southside Avenue.

Commission members voted to approve the demolition request for the property referred to in the meeting as 508 North Elm Avenue after staff said the house, described as a 1945 small two‑bedroom, five‑room house, sits adjacent to parcels where demolition and earlier approvals had occurred. A commission member moved to approve the demolition, and the motion was seconded; the commission recorded the motion as approved during the meeting. A commission member noted that the block around Elm is part of the Northwestern walking tour and that Zion Church across the street is on the tour, underscoring local interest in that area.

For 335 Southside Avenue, staff reported that the house had passed occupancy and that the property owner has submitted plans for a replacement house. Nathan Rau, identified in the meeting as the project architect, said he was available to answer questions. Pamela (identified in the meeting as the recent purchaser) told commissioners she was “excited about our project” and asked that the commission allow the work to move forward. Commissioners approved the demolition request for 335 Southside Avenue by motion and voice vote.

Staff and commissioners made clear that approvals to demolish a building do not replace other required reviews. The commission noted both projects will still need follow‑up reviews and permits: staff said the 335 Southside project still must seek Architectural Review Board (ARB) review and that plans and some early preservation‑treatment notes remain subject to change as the project proceeds.

The approvals were recorded as motions at the March 11 meeting; individual roll‑call votes were not named in the transcript and the motions were announced as approved on voice votes.

The commission also discussed context for demolition decisions, including a staff comment that many nearby lots have been vacant for years and that one local property owner has acquired several parcels. Commissioners noted the public interest in preserving neighborhood character alongside property owners’ development plans.

The commission did not adopt any conditions on the demolitions during the meeting; staff repeatedly advised that subsequent design reviews and ARB consideration could change project details.

Looking ahead, commissioners said they will track the ARB process and any building permits for replacement structures and encouraged staff and applicants to return with updated plans as those steps proceed.