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HRC approves emergency demolition of dilapidated accessory structure at 938 Tennessee Street
Summary
The commission found an accessory structure in the Oread Historic District unsafe and issued a certificate of approval and state-law review, allowing immediate demolition; multiple findings passed 4-0.
The Historic Resources Commission on Feb. 20 approved emergency demolition of a severely damaged accessory structure at 938 Tennessee Street, finding it unsafe and issuing the certificate of approval and state-law review required for demolition in a historic district.
Staff presented photographs and said the accessory structure, located along an alley at the edge of the Oread Historic District, was leaning and appeared unsafe. A city code official had declared the structure “unsafe and dangerous” and waived the normal 30-day demolition review period to expedite removal. Staff determined the structure no longer retained integrity and that its removal would not damage or destroy properties listed on the National Register.
Commissioners voted to approve three separate findings: a state-law review determining the project met Secretary of the Interior standards and would not damage National or State Register properties; a certificate of approval under chapter 22; and a finding that the project met the Oread neighborhood design guidelines. Each motion passed 4-0 (Commissioner Klein, Commissioner Buchanan, Commissioner Cunningham and Chair Joy Coleman voting aye). Staff said the property owner has hired a contractor for demolition and is expected to submit an administrative review for a one-car garage replacement in the same location.
The HRC did not require a structural analysis because staff judged the building’s condition extreme and expedited the item to the February agenda to avoid collapse and potential harm.
