Landmarks Commission grants retroactive demolition approval at 1112 N. 18th St., sets remediation conditions

The Kansas City, Kansas Landmarks Commission approved, by a 5-0 roll-call vote Jan. 5, a retroactive certificate of appropriateness for demolition of a residence at 1112 North 18th St., a property in the environs of the West High Manor Historic District, and attached three conditions to the approval.

Randy Greaves, the commission’s historic preservationist, told commissioners the residence had been demolished without proper permitting or review and that, as planning policy requires, staff’s formal recommendation was denial for retroactive cases. Greaves said denial would imply the owner must rebuild the house to qualify for demolition permits, a heavy-handed outcome; he presented three conditions staff prepared should the commission choose to approve retroactively: (1) remove any remaining debris from the site; (2) fill and grade any land disturbance or basement opening; and (3) seek proper permits and historic reviews for all future exterior work.

Commissioners asked about the condition of the site and the applicants’ cooperation. Greaves said a stop-work order had been issued and that the applicants had been "eager to comply," submitting materials quickly to staff. Commissioner Fendorf moved to approve the retroactive certificate with the three staff-recommended conditions; Nader Townsend seconded. Rose called the roll and the motion carried 5-0.

The approval does not grant permission for future work beyond acknowledging the demolition; any subsequent exterior work, redevelopment or change in use will require the appropriate planning and building permits and an environs review where required.