Commission approves demolition of storm-damaged garage at 1817 Jersey Ridge Road

The Davenport Historic Preservation Commission voted Nov. 10 to approve a demolition request for a detached garage at 1817 Jersey Ridge Road (DNR HP 25-4). Staff recommended approval after describing storm and structural damage that left the small brick garage compromised.

Staff said the garage — built about 1940 and roughly 13 by 19 feet (about 247 square feet) — suffered significant damage when a large oak tree fell on it during a storm. Photos and a contractor assessment cited shifting and bowing masonry, separation of walls from the framework, cracking and roof damage. Allstate Insurance issued a claim settlement treating the structure as a total loss, staff stated.

Under the city’s demolition review for non-locally listed structures within national historic districts, the commission may delay demolition only by a three-fourths vote and would direct staff to prepare a local-designation nomination. Staff reported it could not identify historic associations or a master builder for the garage and determined the structure does not meet the criteria for local landmarking; staff therefore recommended approval of the demolition.

The property representative, Randy, told the commission the owner plans to construct a new wooden garage sized about 16 by 24 feet to accommodate a vehicle and gardening equipment. "The building we plan on putting up is... a 16 by 24, which is about 1 and a half car," he said, and confirmed that the insurance company had already settled the claim.

A commissioner moved and seconded approval; the commission recorded affirmative roll-call votes and approved the demolition. Staff said it will follow up with the building department on permits.

Next steps: applicant to obtain required permits and proceed with removal and replacement per local building rules.