Commission waives nine‑month demolition delay for deteriorated 135 Lineman Street after divided public comment

The Historical Commission voted to waive the nine‑month demolition‑delay ordinance for 135 Lineman Street — a six‑story brick building the Springfield Preservation Trust listed among the city’s most endangered resources — after hearing competing presentations about structural condition, salvage plans and public benefit.

Preservation advocates urged the commission to invoke the full 90‑day delay to explore adaptive reuse or alternative preservation options. Kira of the Springfield Preservation Trust and other commenters emphasized the building’s architectural significance and urged that at least the nine‑month period be used to seek reuses that retain the façade and character‑defining elements.

Representatives for the property owner and developer cited a Johnson Structural Engineering report, photographs showing roof collapse, widespread water infiltration and corroded steel members, and explained the building would pose an ongoing public‑safety hazard. The developer said they intend to palletize and store salvageable brick, cornices and architectural elements for reuse where feasible and that demolition would support an active city redevelopment program.

Commissioners discussed public‑safety risks, the limits of adaptive reuse where structural steel is extensively corroded, and the city’s interest in clearing the lot for planned construction staging. One commissioner said the building’s interior decay and collapsed stairs indicated that reuse was not reasonably practical; another commissioner said the exterior presence of the building still carries historic value.

On balance, the commission approved a motion to waive the nine‑month demolition‑delay period. The roll call recorded several yes votes and at least one no; commissioners who voted yes noted reliance on the structural engineer’s conclusions and the developer’s salvage commitments. The commission said it would document public comments and encouraged the owner to proceed with careful salvage and to coordinate with staff on any salvage‑and‑reuse options.