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Board approves variances and demolition request for late-19th-century house replacement project
Summary
The board approved demolition and a package of variances for a late-19th-century house that the applicant said has failed foundation conditions; the owner intends to replace it with a low-rise multi-unit building and adjust setbacks.
The University District Design Review Board voted to support a demolition request and several variances for a 19th-century house the applicant said is structurally compromised, permitting replacement with a new multi-unit building and modest setback adjustments.
Applicant presentation and reason for demolition: the applicant’s representative described the existing building as roughly 125 years old with a deteriorated rubble-stone foundation and crumbling ledge details. The applicant said the foundation condition, inadequate prior shoring and water penetration made underpinning impractical; raising the building and replacing the foundation would be cost-prohibitive given the structure’s condition. The owner also owns the adjacent property to the west and has completed an addition there; the proposed replacement building will be consistent in scale with nearby development and the applicant said they will provide a slightly larger setback on the west to create breathing room between buildings.
Requested variances and staff input: the applicant requested variances that included reduced parking (10 required / 6 provided in the current layout), building-line/setback relief and allowances related to the established front setback averaging rules for the block. Staff reviewed neighborhood context and previous similar approvals on the street and recommended approval of the variances as consistent with the block’s development pattern; the application package included proposed elevations, floor plans and contextual site imagery.
Board comment and decision: board members asked for clarification on porch placement, side entries, window additions and materials; the applicant agreed to add another window in a middle unit and to refine porch and gable details. On balance, board members said the proposed replacement and the requested variances fit the prevailing development pattern on the block and moved to approve the demolition and variance package; the motion carried on the record after board discussion.
What’s next: the applicant is scheduled for a zoning review and will bring final drawings for design approval. The board requested additional elevation/detail drawings before final permits are issued.
