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Commission approves demolition of deteriorated house at 253 Natchez Street
Summary
The commission approved certificates of appropriateness to demolish the primary structure and carport at 253 Natchez Street after staff documented extensive rot, termite and structural damage and concluded the building had lost architectural integrity.
The Collierville Historic District Commission voted on May 28 to approve certificates of appropriateness allowing demolition of the primary structure and accessory carport at 253 Natchez Street, finding the building has lost its architectural integrity owing to structural deterioration.
Staff reported the 1915 house has undergone substantial alterations over time and showed interior and exterior photos that staff said document termite damage, flooding, rot and hazardous conditions. "Demolition is appropriate if the building has lost its architectural or historical integrity and its removal won't harm the district visually," staff said, and recommended approval of the demolition certificates for both the primary structure and accessory structure.
Applicant Carson Looney, who addressed the commission about the home's poor condition, said the intent when he purchased the property was to tear it down after attempts to renovate proved infeasible. Looney also indicated he would recuse himself from the case; the record shows he left voting on that item to the remaining commissioners.
A motion to approve demolition of the primary structure and the accessory structure passed by roll call. Commissioners recorded support and staff will document demolition permits and conditions as part of the administrative process.
The commission's action applies only to the demolition certificates; any future new construction on the lot would require separate design review or a new certificate application under the historic-overlay rules.
