HPC approves demolition at 1140 Broad Street, imposes $269,170 performance bond and 36-month build window

The Augusta Historic Preservation Commission on Oct. 23 approved a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA 25-50) allowing demolition of the three commercial structures at 1140 Broad Street, contingent on an approved site plan, issuance of a construction permit and a $269,170 performance bond. The approval requires the owner to begin hotel construction within 36 months or forfeit conditions tied to the bond; the authorization is nontransferable and allows temporary surface parking on the site during the permit period.

The decision comes after sustained debate spanning previous meetings, a recent fire that damaged two contributing late-19th‑century buildings, a prior court order requiring rehabilitation or demolition, and conflicting recommendations from staff and preservation advocates.

Todd Kennedy, planning and development staff, told the commission the 1.66-acre property sits on the western half of the block bounded by Broad, Ellis, Eleventh and Twelfth Streets and contains two contributing commercial buildings from the 1890s plus a larger 1969 structure. Kennedy said the site remains under a 2021 court order from Richmond County Civil and Magistrate Court to rehabilitate or demolish and that “plans to redevelop the site into [a] hotel continue.” He told commissioners the Augusta Fire Department concluded its investigation and released the building back to the…