The Augusta Historic Preservation Commission on Thursday denied a request from the property owner to demolish the former First Baptist Church building at 802 Green Street, a Beaux‑Arts structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places and long associated with local religious history.

The denial followed staff testimony that the structure — constructed in 1902, sited on the block where the Southern Baptist Convention was founded in 1845, and listed on the National Register in 1972 — remains a contributing historic resource and that the application lacked a post‑demolition plan. Staff and Historic Augusta urged preservation or “mothballing” rather than demolition. The commission voted to deny the certificate of appropriateness by show of hands; the motion carried (6 in favor, 1 abstention by Commissioner Kelly).

Why it matters: the building is among downtown Augusta’s best examples of Beaux‑Arts architecture and its removal would alter the character and continuity of the downtown historic district. Staff cited the commission’s previous evidentiary hearing under Augusta code Section 7‑4‑52(a) that found evidence of accelerated deterioration and directed the owner to apply for a COA.

Staff presentation and Historic Augusta’s position

Staff described the site history, the building’s National Register status and the recent evidentiary hearing that documented roof and dome failures, open roof areas and accelerating water entry. The staff report notes that demolition is generally incompatible with downtown demolition criteria and recommended denial of the petition as submitted, while suggesting a mothballing schedule and cost estimates be provided if the owner pursues repair.

Robert Malden, president of Historic Augusta, urged preservation and mothballing. “We strongly recommend that it be mothballed rather than demolished and that we are ready to help in any way that we can to achieve that goal,” Malden said.

Owner’s demolition cost estimate and absence of plans

The applicant provided a demolition estimate from Chaplain and Sons Clearing and Demolition for $213,375; the packet included a scope of work for removal. Staff and Historic Augusta both emphasized that the application originally lacked a post‑demolition plan and that no information about future site use had been provided to evaluate impacts. Staff said it amended its initial recommendation after receiving additional materials but continued to recommend denial without a fully developed post‑demolition plan and costed mothballing options.

Commission action and vote

A commissioner moved to deny the application, citing the lack of a post‑demolition plan and the downtown guidelines; another commissioner seconded. The commission voted in favor (motion carried with six yes votes and one abstention recorded for Commissioner Kelly). The motion’s stated reasons included the absence of a post‑demolition plan and the guidelines analysis adopted in staff materials.

What comes next

Because the item was denied, the owner may appeal according to the municipal appeal processes outlined in the historic preservation ordinance. Staff noted that post‑demolition plans and cost estimates for mothballing and demolition are routinely requested when demolition of contributing buildings is considered; the commission signaled it expects such materials if the owner returns with a revised request.