Urban Design Commission approves two demolitions and a duplex plan along NW 20th Street corridor
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Summary
At the July 23 meeting the commission approved demolition of two altered early‑20th century structures and approved a residential duplex proposal at 1016 NW 20 Fourth Street, citing engineering reports and staff findings that the buildings lack historical significance and do not meet structural standards.
The Urban Design Commission on July 23 approved three separate applications in the NW 20th Street area: demolition of structures at 904 NW 20 Third Street and 908 NW 20 Third Street, and approval to demolish one structure and construct a duplex at 1016 NW 20 Fourth Street.
Staff presented engineering reports and photographs for each property and concluded the remaining structures have significant structural deficiencies and are not of architectural or historical significance. Michael Filbert, speaking for staff, summarized the findings: the engineering reports document structural issues and evidence of modification that diminished historical integrity, and staff recommended approval of each demolition and approval of the duplex plans as consistent with applicable standards.
An applicant representative—listed in meeting materials as Mark (Johnson and Associates)—confirmed the firm’s involvement on the 1016 NW 20 Fourth Street duplex application and on nearby demolition projects. The applicant described prior rezoning activity for one parcel and said the duplex package complies with the Neighborhood Conservation District and Urban Design Overlay guidelines as applicable.
Commissioners expressed support. One commissioner said the duplex proposal would be a “substantial improvement” and “fitting” for the district. Another commissioner noted the area’s transit corridor and future mid‑rise development potential when discussing continuity and future density near the BRT line.
Actions taken: motions to approve the demolition applications and the duplex design were moved and seconded and carried. The motions found the projects compliant with the cited sections of the Neighborhood Conservation District/Urban Design Overlay guidelines (sections C and D in the staff reports). Recorded comments noted that street parking in the public right of way is public and cannot be restricted by property owners; further parking or access details will be reviewed at the permitting stage.
Clarifying details in the record: staff included engineering reports as exhibit evidence of structural deficiencies; for the 1016 NW 20 Fourth project the applicant indicated the building is in “pretty bad shape” per the engineering report and that the duplex plan meets development standards; for the 904 and 908 Third Street properties staff said both had been substantially modified from original 1918 residential forms and therefore lack qualifying architectural or historic significance.
The commission’s approvals clear the way for demolition permits and subsequent building permits; applicants must meet standard permitting requirements (including parking and landscaping) at the time of permit review.