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Board grants conditional demolition for failing 1959 house at 51 Florida Ave.
Summary
HARB approved a certificate of demolition for a deteriorated 1959 house at 51 Florida Avenue, delaying demolition until the owner can pull building-permit-ready plans for a replacement (typical two-year window), and encouraged salvaging materials where feasible.
The Historic Architectural Review Board on Oct. 17 approved a certificate of demolition for a deteriorated 1959 residence at 51 Florida Avenue, imposing a condition that demolition be delayed until the owner has plans sufficient to pull a building permit for a replacement structure.
Staff told the board the house is not locally designated and staff found grounds for demolition given structural deterioration. Owner Kevin Priester described extensive rot, failing joists and foundation issues that followed storms (Michael/Irma) and said contractors recommended full demolition due to cost. Board members recommended conditioning demolition on having replacement plans to prevent long-term vacant lots and to encourage prompt rebuilding; staff confirmed the standard permission window allows an initial one-year period and the possibility of extensions up to two years.
Board members discussed salvaging materials but did not require extensive salvage as a condition, noting limited reusability given deterioration. The motion to approve the demolition with the condition delaying actual demolition until building-permit-ready plans are submitted carried by unanimous roll call.
