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Council upholds historic preservation commission, denies demolition at 307 Clay Street
Summary
The council considered an appeal of the Historic Preservation Commission’s denial of demolition clearance for 307 Clay Street. The HPC was tied 3‑3 and denied the demolition; the property owner appealed. Council voted 7‑to‑2 to deny the owner’s appeal, upholding the HPC decision and leaving the demolition clearance denied.
The council reviewed an appeal by the property owner seeking demolition clearance for 307 Clay Street after the Historic Preservation Commission failed to approve demolition in a 3‑3 vote. The HPC had identified two code provisions (1(c) and 1(h)) that it said indicated the property exhibited distinctive architectural character and was a familiar, visible feature of the neighborhood.
City staff summarized the HPC action and the owner’s submitted materials. The property owner submitted cost estimates and other documentation characterizing structural problems; staff noted that the record did not include a city‑commissioned structural/engineering report verifying that rehabilitation was impracticable. Council members questioned the absence of a structural engineering evaluation and the owner’s timeline for rebuilding if demolition were allowed; the owner was reported to have said he intended to rebuild but provided no firm timetable.
A motion to consider the appeal carried to a roll‑call vote where council members were instructed that a “Yes” vote would grant the appeal (allow demolition) and a “No” vote would deny the appeal (uphold HPC). The council voted 7‑No to 2‑Yes; therefore the appeal was denied and the HPC denial was upheld. No demolition clearance was authorized by council.
