Historic board approves demolition of rear deck at 745 West Main

The City of Madison Historic District Board of Review voted to grant a certificate of appropriateness allowing the demolition of the rear deck at 745 West Main.

The board’s approval on March 24 followed staff and board discussion that the deck is a later, non‑original addition and presents safety issues. Karen Modesett, the applicant and resident of 745 West Main, said the deck “was never really correctly made in the first place,” and that parts of it have fallen away. She told the board she plans to clear the area and then reassess whether to build any new structure there.

Board members and staff described the house as an Italianate/federal‑style, contributing structure in the district and said the deck itself is a later, non‑contributing element. A board member noted the steps were “pretty dangerous” without adequate railings, and the board indicated removal would not alter the historic character of the primary building.

Acting on what the board characterized as preceding findings of fact, a motion to grant the certificate passed on a roll‑call vote. Recorded yes votes were Mike Pittman, Bill Jewell, Ken McWilliams, Ryan Rogers, Jared Anderson and Judd Scullen. The board directed staff to issue the certificate of appropriateness by mail; because the deck is non‑contributing, staff told the applicant she may begin demolition immediately if she chooses.

The board separated this formal decision from other pending matters at the meeting, noting that demolition approval applied only to the deck removal and not to any future additions or alterations to the main house. Modesett said she may hire a contractor to perform the work.

The board’s action was limited to the Certificate of Appropriateness for demolition; any subsequent new construction, additions or changes would require additional review and, where appropriate, resubmission to the board for approval.