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Commission approves demolition of structurally compromised Hudson House at 710 New Street and OKs replacement plan
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Summary
After testimony from the building inspector and staff, the commission found the Hudson House at 710 New Street structurally unsound and approved a demolition COA plus a redevelopment plan for an infill house, with conditions to document and salvage historic materials where feasible.
The Historic Preservation Commission voted to approve demolition of the Hudson House at 710 New Street and to grant a Certificate of Appropriateness for a replacement infill house plan.
Staff presented the demolition application and evidence of extensive structural deterioration. Building Inspections official Eric Walden (speaker 13) summarized his inspections of the property and told the commission, "it really didn't even appear safe to be in the house," describing pervasive termite and moisture damage, failing piers and compromised rim beams. Staff's report outlined the three required demolition considerations (significance, condition, and attempted preservation alternatives). Commissioners and an architect who reviewed the site noted that substantial structural elements and foundations would require replacement if rehabilitation were attempted.
Given the condition evidence, and the building official's recommendation, a motion to approve demolition passed after findings of fact that documented the house's status as a contributing structure, the exposure of structural members during rehabilitation, the building official's recommendation and the documented deterioration. The commission conditioned approval on salvaging architectural features where possible and completing documentation for the historic record prior to demolition.
The commission also reviewed a proposed replacement infill design (two-story plan with a crawl-space foundation, simulated brick piers and fenestration to align with neighboring houses). The commission approved the combined demolition-and-replacement COA, with conditions requiring final plan revisions to address vents, utilities, handrail details and screening of mechanical equipment and confirm setbacks and floodplain floor heights. Staff will verify final details before issuance of permits.
