Historic outbuilding at 2025 Pearl Ave. spared for 180 days as commission seeks alternatives
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Summary
At its Jan. 12 meeting, the Fort Worth Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission approved a 180-day delay on demolition of a detached accessory structure at 2025 Pearl Avenue to allow the owner time to pursue rehabilitation estimates, neighborhood partnership options and documentation; a neighbor urged a historical marker if demolition proceeds.
The Fort Worth Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission voted Jan. 12 to delay for 180 days any Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) that would permit demolition of a detached accessory structure at 2025 Pearl Avenue.
Staff told the commission the primary residence is a circa-1904 Victoria Vernacular house and that the rear accessory structure — historically used as a carriage/horse-related outbuilding — retains original siding and form despite deterioration. Staff recommended a 180-day delay to allow the owner to gather rehabilitation estimates, consult neighborhood partners and submit documentation, and to seek input from the Texas Historical Commission before any demolition proceeds.
Neighbor Diana Rios, who said she has lived across from the property for 43 years, described the outbuilding’s historical associations and asked the commission to preserve the structure or at least install interpretive signage. “When I first moved there in 1983 ... that was considered either the carriage house or the horseless carriage house,” Rios said, urging recognition of the site’s local history.
Commissioners discussed the rarity of intact outbuildings in inner-city neighborhoods and the potential for rehabilitation. Commissioner Kelly Traeger moved to follow staff’s recommendation to delay issuance of a COA for 180 days; Commissioner Graham Brethendine seconded. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
Under the delay, staff will work with the owner and neighborhood stakeholders; staff asked that the owner submit accurate rehab estimates and building documentation and report progress back to the commission before the delay expires. If no viable alternatives are found within the 180 days, the owner may proceed with demolition consistent with applicable rules.
The commission’s action is procedural and does not itself require the owner to repair the structure; rather, it pauses a COA that would allow removal while permitting time for preservation options or documentation to be developed.
