Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Demolition 721 1stave topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Carmel commission approves demolition of contributing 1950s ranch at 721 1st Avenue Northeast
Summary
The Carmel Historic Preservation Commission voted to allow demolition of a circa‑1955, contributing ranch at 721 1st Avenue Northeast. Applicant Cassandra said she will build a two‑story family home; staff had recommended removal, calling the building marginally significant.
The Carmel Historic Preservation Commission voted to allow the removal of a circa‑1955 single‑story brick‑veneer ranch at 721 1st Avenue Northeast after staff recommended the structure for demolition.
Cassandra, the applicant, told the commission she plans to demolish the 750‑square‑foot house and build a two‑story single‑family home for her family. “We’re wanting to demolish the house to build a single family home for our family,” she said, adding the new house will be two stories with some stone, board‑and‑batten and wood siding and a basement. She said she has plans and has contracted Steve Moed with SLM Homes as the builder and intends to preserve two mature maple trees in the front yard.
Staff read a written report into the record, describing the house as a contributing resource in the Carmel Clay Township Historic Architecture Survey but saying the building is “marginally maintained” and does not show significant structural failure. Staff noted a relocation sign was present in the yard but said relocation is unlikely given limited available lots. The report also said staff had not reviewed any plans for a replacement structure if demolition were approved and recommended the commission allow removal based on the property’s assessed level of significance.
Commission discussion touched on neighborhood context and the trend toward newer construction in the area. One commissioner praised the applicant’s plan to retain the front‑yard trees and to design the replacement to be compatible with Old Town character. A motion to follow staff’s recommendation was made and seconded and the commission approved the motion by voice vote. Chair and staff said they will notify the city permitting department that the demolition has been approved.
The decision allows the applicant to pursue city permitting; staff recorded no formal conditions in the meeting minutes. The commission did not record an individual roll‑call tally in the public meeting audio; the action was approved by voice vote.
The commission’s staff report identifies the house as built circa 1955 and described it as a ranch‑style building with a concrete block foundation and original 2‑over‑2 aluminum double‑hung windows. The lot was reported by staff as approximately 65 by 176 feet.
