Commission asks for more investigation before approving demolition and replacement at 711 N. 20th Street

Richmond’s Commission of Architectural Review did not grant approval for the proposed demolition of a rear projection at 711 North 20th Street during the Feb. 20 meeting, and asked the owner to provide further documentation about the structure’s condition and what, if any, original material could be salvaged.

The subject structure is a Greek Revival dwelling with a one-and-a-half-story rear projection that appears in Sanborn map coverage between 1889 and 1905. The commission heard that the projection has deteriorated, sits on cinder-block supports and, in places, on exposed grade or a boulder, and that the owner’s team had considered repair but found extensive foundation and structural issues. Applicant Tyler Sodastro, who is acting with family members, told the commission the rear projection has rotted structural elements, subsidence at corners and very limited headroom in the upper half story; he and his designer said the intent of a new addition is to gain usable, light-filled space.

Commissioners acknowledged the applicant’s hardship arguments but said the projection appears to be part of the building’s historical evolution and that further evidence is required before approving demolition. Commissioners asked for an internal condition assessment showing existing foundation and framing conditions, a clearer accounting of what is structurally unsalvageable, and a salvage plan identifying exterior and interior materials that can be reused in the new construction if demolition is ultimately allowed. Several commissioners suggested limited, careful exploratory work — for example, opening a floor section or camera inspection under the floor — to reveal the degree of structural compromise without wholesale demolition.

The commission also offered guidance on new construction if the addition is found to be beyond repair: fenestration should be vertically oriented, and the massing should be respectful and visually subordinate to the original 1855 primary block. Applicants noted they intend to differentiate the new work in material and color from the primary house so the historic block is legible, and that the proposed hyphen of a one-story connector would separate old and new. The commission said it will re-evaluate with the additional documentation but did not vote to allow demolition at the meeting.