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Council grants 90-day window for owner to present rehabilitation plan for historic Holland Avenue property
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Summary
The council granted a 90-day extension to the new owner of the Rose Supper Club property to provide architectural and funding documents aimed at rehabilitation; staff said that if the owner fails to meet stipulated requirements the demolition process will resume.
A newly arrived owner and his representative told the council they want to save and restore the Rose Supper Club property at 954 Holland Avenue rather than see it demolished. The owner, Shaq Robertson, and his attorney, Evans Bailey, presented a multi-phase revitalization plan that would stabilize the structure, create an open-air courtyard and incorporate cultural programming tied to the building’s historic uses.
City staff summarized the demolition history: a violation letter, a subsequent reinspection and a council resolution leading to a demolition order. Staff showed photographs documenting severe interior deterioration and a collapsed roof and recommended caution before rescinding the demolition order. The building inspector and city staff outlined conditions that would be required for council to withhold demolition: preliminary architectural and construction documents, a reasonable schedule, a construction-cost estimate, proof of funding (for example, a commitment letter or construction loan), and engagement of a registered architect. Staff recommended a 90-day conditional extension to allow the owner to produce those materials; they warned that if the documents and plans are not approved at the end of 90 days, staff would resume demolition steps.
Mr. Robertson said he has engaged an architect and a structural engineer, that engineers have indicated the building is salvageable in part, and that he has been working with community partners and investors on the project. Councilors emphasized the need for permits, construction documents and proof of funds rather than verbal assurances. By consensus the council agreed to the 90-day period with a day-91 resumption of demolition if the stipulated requirements are not met.
The action gives the owner a limited, conditional window to convert plans into permitted work backed by documented funding. Council members asked staff to record the agreement in the minutes and to follow up with a status report at the end of the 90-day period.
