The Augusta Historic Preservation Commission granted provisional approval for demolition of the house at 2345 William Street in the Somerville Historic District, contingent on the petitioner returning with a complete application for new construction (site plan and specific elevations) before the certificate of appropriateness for demolition will be issued.

Staff told the commission the house, built in 1950 and outside Somerville’s period of significance, is considered nonhistoric; staff noted the Somerville demolition guidance and recommended provisional approval only if the petitioner returns with a post‑demolition plan for the site. Staff said that without a site plan and specific elevations for replacement construction the commission risks approving demolition that results in a vacant lot.

Matthew Howard, the petitioner and property owner, described recent criminal activity and vandalism at the property and said he is concerned about liability and “an attractive nuisance.” Howard said he has conceptual elevations based on a previously approved design and letters of support from neighbors and that he is “prepared to begin demolition” once permitted, but that he is working with designers to produce site-specific plans. Resident Anna Averett urged the petitioner to obtain full new-construction drawings before demolishing the house and asked, “why do you have to demolish the house in order to design a house?” A commissioner noted common practice of requiring a structural analysis and a post‑demolition plan; another suggested mothballing the building (boarding windows/doors) while plans are prepared.

After discussion, the commission voted 7–0 to grant provisional approval contingent on the petitioner or designee returning with a complete new‑construction COA application (site plan and specific elevations). The COA for demolition will not be issued until the commission reviews and approves the new‑construction application.