Hutchinson council overturns Landmarks Commission, clears way for demolition of Bernard’s restaurant

The Hutchinson City Council voted Nov. 4 to overturn the Landmarks Commission's denial of a certificate of appropriateness and authorized the city to proceed with demolition of Bernard's Restaurant and Catering at 2100 South Bonebrake if the property owner does not complete required work.

Matt Williams, director of community development, told the council the structure is listed on the Kansas Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places and that state statute requires the governing body to determine whether feasible and prudent alternatives to demolition exist. Williams said the city had pursued a dual track of encouraging rehabilitation while preparing to remove the building because the city's building official had determined the structure unsafe. "While the structure could, in theory, be rehabilitated," Williams said, "the length of time requested and the significant financial burden make rehabilitation unlikely," and staff recommended finding no feasible and prudent alternative.

Property owner…