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Historic Adams Street house approved for demolition contingent on approved replacement plans
Summary
The commission approved demolition of the circa-1901 contributing house at 1309 Adams Street, contingent on approval of reconstruction plans; staff had presented structural reports and cost estimates showing rehabilitation would be costlier than reconstruction.
The Franklin Historic Zoning Commission on May 11 approved demolition of the principal structure at 1309 Adams Street but barred demolition from beginning until replacement plans are approved.
Elizabeth, the commission’s staff planner, said submitted structural reports show 60–70% of structural elements need replacement and included cost estimates: rehabilitation at $857,660 versus new construction at $662,460. "The materials included within the application demonstrate a level of structural instability and deterioration of the building that necessitate action," she said, and staff recommended approval of demolition with conditions while recommending denial of the new construction as originally proposed because some elements did not meet guidelines.
Applicant architect McGreary outlined plans to reconstruct the historic form on the same footprint, retain massing and orientation, and add a rear addition. He said the proposed design seeks to restore simple period detailing and noted the project would result in a rebuilt historic-form structure with an addition occupying about 59% of the historic building footprint, above the guideline recommendation of 50%.
Commission discussion focused on demolition as a last resort, the length of time the house has been vacant, and conformity of proposed details with district guidelines. Commissioner comments noted precedent on the block and accepted a motion to approve demolition only when the reconstruction COA (certificate of appropriateness) is also approved; the commission approved the motion by voice vote.
The commission also voted to approve the reconstructed historic building and the addition with conditions but removed the proposed gable decoration and the dormer from the approved work; staff conditions and detailed revisions will be required before final permits are issued. The motion and votes reflect the commission’s effort to balance structural feasibility with guidelines that aim to preserve historic character.
Next steps: the applicant must submit revised construction drawings and satisfy the staff conditions before demolition can proceed and before final building permits are issued.
