Historic Review Board approves demolition of Charles Street building with two‑year expiration

The Beaufort Historic Review Board voted to approve demolition of a structurally unsound commercial building on Charles Street and attached a condition that demolition be carried out within two years.

The decision followed a presentation from the applicant’s architect, who said the building had been found unsafe during contractor and engineering discovery work and that mechanical and electrical systems were near failure. “Knowing the building has been discovered to be structurally unsound, per the structural report submitted, the MEP systems have or are close to failure and are noncompliant,” the architect said, explaining why demolition was now being requested after earlier approvals that assumed reuse. Staff confirmed the demolition request was a noticed public hearing and that neighbors within the required radius were notified.

During public comment, David Townsend, a local contractor and historic‑restoration professional, told the board he inspected the building and could not find evidence it predates the early 1950s; he described extensive interior deterioration. Maxine Lutz, representing Historic Beaufort, said her organization — which often opposes demolitions — supports removal in this case based on the engineer’s findings.

Board members expressed sympathy for preservation but concluded the engineering evidence supported demolition. Several members raised concern about approvals that permit demolition but then lapse while a property remains vacant; board members asked for and discussed a time limit on the demolition authorization to prevent long periods where a lot remains empty. Staff told the board a proposed ordinance includes a two‑year timeframe; board members discussed one‑ and two‑year options and settled on two years as reasonable for permitting and project startup.

A board member made a motion to approve demolition with the requirement that demolition occur within two years; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote of the members present.

What happens next: with the demolition approval in place, the applicant may pursue demolition permits and building permits as required by city processes. The board did not tie demolition approval to issuance of a building permit for the replacement structure; staff advised that conditioning demolition on issuance of a separate building permit had legal limits and that prior advice to that effect had been challenged.