Extensive reconstruction proposed at 1309 Adams Street; staff asks for demolition criteria and reconstruction documentation

Ben McCreery returned with a substantial proposal for 1309 Adams Street, a circa‑1900 contributing dwelling that the applicant reports has extensive deterioration and plywood beneath vinyl siding in places. The project would involve significant demolition, reconstruction of foundations, and an addition that the applicant says would total about a 59.76% increase over historic footprint as presented.

Staff emphasized that because of the extent of demolition building-neighborhood services may treat the work as new construction for code purposes and that one of the demolition criteria must be documented to justify removal; the staff memo listed the specific documentation needed (structural/engineering reports, photographic records and a preservation methodology). Commissioners debated whether the project should be treated as a preservation reconstruction or as new construction, but agreed that detailed documentation and a clear set of conditions (materials, wood windows, avoidance of hardie siding on the historic-replica portions) should be required if demolition is approved. Several commissioners recommended limiting the addition to no more than 50% of the historic footprint per guidelines and urged that reconstructed features (porch detailing, window patterns, foundations) be carefully recorded and conditioned.

Next steps: applicant to provide a preservation methodology, structural engineer's report, side-by-side existing and proposed elevations, material specifications and a revised addition plan that addresses staff guidance on size, window patterns and re-creation of character-defining elements.