York City ARB votes to sign letter of support for 1 South Shore Street's eligibility review, asks for code caveat

The York City Architectural Review Board voted Oct. 25 to sign a letter of support for a determination of eligibility for 1 South Shore Street, a corner commercial building undergoing rehabilitation, and asked staff to include language noting that current codes prevented a restoration to the building’s historic seven‑story height.

Becky (full name not specified in transcript) presented the request and said the building — originally taller, later reduced and altered — was listed by the state as noncontributing to the historic district because of the loss of its upper floors. The property is now owned by Royal Square, which is pursuing a rehabilitation project that the applicant said is contingent on receiving historic tax credits.

Board members discussed the building’s evolution, why past owners removed stories and how modern codes and construction‑type constraints limit rebuilding to the original height. Panel members said noting that code constraints prevented restoration to seven stories would be ‘‘compelling’’ information to include in the SHPO (State Historic Preservation Office) application. The board’s solicitor had been consulted and the solicitor advised it was appropriate to provide a letter of local support alongside the determination of eligibility.

One member said they felt uneasy about taking a formal advocacy position but ultimately did not object to the board’s signing the letter. The board moved and seconded a motion to approve the letter of support; the motion passed by voice vote. Members agreed Becky would revise the draft to include an explanation that code and construction‑type limitations prevented returning the building to its historic seven‑story profile, and the revised draft would be circulated for signature.