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Council approves demolition authorization and $200,000 sanction for downtown Logan Street building
Summary
Council reaffirmed a planning commission certificate of authorization allowing demolition of a building at 1396 Logan Street and approved a $200,000 fine tied to reconstruction requirements after the property owner demolished a historically protected structure.
Noblesville — On June 9 the Common Council approved a certificate of authorization for demolition of the structure at 1396 Logan Street and endorsed a $200,000 sanction tied to the property to ensure reconstruction that is consistent with the downtown historic character.
City Attorney John Hughes opened the item by stressing the seriousness of demolishing a historic downtown building. "It is my recommendation ... that we will also assess a $200,000 fine for the demolition of this building," he said, and described how the fine would be structured as a lien on the property. Staff said a modest initial administrative fine (about $2,500) brought the matter to this point, but the council’s action attaches the larger sanction and reconstruction requirement.
Planning staff described the plan commission’s review: the commission considered multiple elevation iterations, requested five architectural changes to better match the Logan Street historic district (lower roof pitch, increased overhangs to 24 inches, a more prominent chimney, brick column bases and reduced trim) and ultimately recommended issuing the certificate after the applicant supplied revised elevations that staff and the city consultant described as historically appropriate.
Applicant counsel Jack Witet appeared for the owners and said the owners intend to reconstruct in accordance with the revised elevations. Council approved the certificate of authorization and the associated sanction by hand vote (council recorded nine in favor). The approval carries explicit conditions requiring compliance with the historically informed elevations and connects the fine to the property as a lien.
