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Commission denies demolition for 811 Pollock Street, urges preservation alternatives
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Summary
After extended testimony from building officials, engineers, neighbors and preservation advocates, the commission denied a demolition COA for the Prentice House at 811 Pollock Street and encouraged the applicant to pursue partial demolition of later additions, salvage and an alternative plan to preserve the historic front structure.
The New Bern Historic Preservation Commission voted to deny the demolition application for 811 Pollock Street (the Prentice House), a contributing structure potentially dating to the 1830s–1840s.
Staff and consulted sources provided a detailed history indicating the house's long provenance and presence in Peter Sandbeck's inventory of New Bern architecture. Building inspector Eric Walden and Meridian Engineering's Brian Pike described areas of water intrusion, sagging floors and localized deterioration, particularly in later rear additions. Pike told the commission some damage likely remains hidden behind intact wall and floor coverings and that selective demolition (removal of finishes) would be required to fully assess structural repairs.
Neighbors and stakeholders urged preservation. Kate Pfeiffer (speaker 19), who lives next door, described animal activity and property impacts: "I've seen rats, and the rats have come into my house," adding that the condition had affected her family. T. Congleton (speaker 20) and others emphasized the house's historical significance and urged restoration. Applicant representatives from Baptist on Mission (speaker 9, Mark Pickett) explained funding constraints and said available grant terms shaped the programmatic options.
Commissioners debated whether the primary front structure could be preserved while demolishing deteriorated rear additions to allow a timely rehabilitation. Several commissioners urged coordination with SHPO, local preservation organizations and potential contractors. The commission ultimately found the full demolition application "incongruous" with the district standards and denied it, while inviting the applicant to consider revised applications (including partial demolition of non-original additions) and to work with staff and local preservation partners on a rehabilitation pathway.
The commission also required that, if demolition is pursued in the future, the owner work with HPC staff to identify salvageable elements and to document the building for the historic record.
