Ames City Historic Preservation Commission approves demolition of contributing garage at 704 Kellogg Avenue; approves modification for new detached garage

The Ames City Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to allow the demolition of a contributing garage at 704 Kellogg Avenue and also approved a requested modification to a previously approved new detached garage.

Ray, the commission’s staff liaison, presented the application and supporting materials, saying the garage is listed as a contributing structure in the Old Town Historic District and that the applicant provided an architect’s report and a contractor letter from Dan Gorman Construction indicating the building is not salvageable. "This is a request to demolish the existing garage at this location," Ray said, summarizing deterioration shown in photographs and inspection notes including bowing walls, rotted wood, lack of a foundation and a compromised roof system.

Ray told commissioners the Iowa site inventory documents the building’s historic significance but that the architectural integrity has been compromised by altered window and door openings and loss of original material. He said staff considered the ordinance factors — historical significance, architectural integrity, functionality, structural condition and the feasibility of relocation — and concluded demolition was appropriate given the condition and safety concerns.

Commission discussion centered on safety and salvage options. One commissioner noted the structure appeared "in sad shape" and expressed concern about snow loads and the hazard to neighborhood children. Another asked whether any siding could be salvaged for reuse; commissioners and staff said salvaging would likely be difficult given warping and probable lead paint.

Chair moved to approve Alternative 1, authorizing demolition; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously. The commission then took up a separate request to modify a previously approved 24-by-24 detached garage at the same property. Staff described three minor changes — lengthening the driveway from 20 to 24 feet to improve alley maneuvering, shifting the garage 4 feet west, and swapping the location of one door and one window while installing a fiberglass door — and recommended approval. The commission approved the modification by unanimous vote.

Votes at a glance

- Approve agenda: motion by Commissioner (unnamed) 3; second by Commissioner (unnamed) 4; unanimous. - Approve minutes (09/08/2025): motion by Commissioner (unnamed) 3; second by Commissioner (unnamed) 4; unanimous. - Certificate of Appropriateness for demolition, 704 Kellogg Avenue (Alternative 1): motion to approve by Chair; second by Commissioner (unnamed) 7; outcome: approved, unanimous. - Modification to previously approved detached garage (alternative 1): motion to approve by Chair; second by Commissioner (unnamed) 2; outcome: approved, unanimous.

The commission’s actions note the property’s contributing status in the Old Town Historic District and rely on the applicant’s architect report and a contractor assessment concluding the structure is structurally compromised. The commission did not direct staff to require salvage beyond the applicant’s proposal and did not attach conditions for salvage or recovery of historic materials.

The next procedural step is removal per the approved demolition certificate; the commission’s action was limited to granting the certificate under the applicable historic preservation ordinance.