Commission approves demolition of deteriorated garage at 35 Buttles Avenue and OKs replacement carriage-house design
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Summary
An engineer's structural assessment showing foundation failure and extensive rot convinced the commission to permit demolition of a contributing detached garage at 35 Buttles Avenue and to approve a new carriage-house-style garage with conditions on siding exposure, venting, and final colors.
The commission approved demolition of a deteriorated contributing detached garage at 35 Buttles Avenue after reviewing a structural-engineering report that documented foundation failure, termite damage and extensive rot. Applicant representatives described an engineer's on-site assessment which found the foundation lacked sufficient footing and the walls and roof were compromised.
Commissioners said the engineer's report justified demolition rather than repair and approved construction of a new garage with the recommended materials and conditions: horizontal lap Hardie siding (smooth finish) with a 5-inch or less exposure, ridge/eaves venting (not soffit vents), and final color choices to be submitted to HPO staff prior to certificate issuance. The motion recorded the demolition approval explicitly on the basis of the engineer's findings.
Next steps: Applicant to submit final material selections and color samples to staff for inclusion in the COA, and staff will issue the certificate when conditions are met.