Board told historic building at 705 Fourth Street was heavily damaged by fire; site secured

Board members were briefed on March 5 that a historically significant building at 705 Fourth Street was damaged by a recent fire and that town staff and the property owner’s insurer have secured the site.

Brad Boland, town historic preservation staff, said the building was not designated as a landmark and that the town has taken a hands‑off role while the owner and insurer determine next steps. "I think the the 4 walls, the the Rhyolite walls are still up, but nothing else," Boland said, describing the remaining masonry.

Boland said the town worked with the owner’s insurance company and the building department to fence and secure the property and to arrange initial site cleanup. He said staff does not yet know whether the building materials are salvageable or whether demolition review will be required; he pledged to update the board as the situation develops.

Board members asked whether salvaged materials such as Royalite (rhyolite) could be preserved for reuse in public projects or at the Cantrell School if the owner does not retain them; Boland said that question depends on the owner’s and insurer’s plans and on the condition of the materials.

Nut graf: The building’s loss highlights the limits of preservation tools when a structure is not formally landmarked. Town staff secured the property, but the future of the structure and any salvageable historic fabric remains unresolved pending insurer and owner decisions.

Next steps: Staff will report any updates to the board, including whether demolition review, salvage opportunities or landmarking considerations will arise as the site stabilization and insurance processes move forward.