Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Demolition topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board continues decision on demolition of remaining jail walls at 7 Aviles St.; asks for survey and salvage plan
Summary
HARB continued a full‑demolition request at 7 Aviles Street after lengthy debate over preservation of three remaining coquina/concrete jail walls; the board asked for a site survey, plan overlays showing wall locations relative to property lines, and proposals for in‑place stabilization or contextual salvage by July 16.
A contentious discussion on June 18 over the future of three remaining coquina/concrete jail walls at 7 Aviles Street ended with the Historic Architecture Review Board continuing the demolition application and asking the applicant to provide a site survey, engineered stabilization options, and a salvage or interpretation plan.
The applicant’s contractor (KRB Construction, speaker 12) and architect (PQH Group, speaker 13) said the uncovered walls are cracked, likely unreinforced and of uncertain foundation condition; they argued that two of the walls are interior to the proposed new footprint and that the remaining walls are unsafe as standing structural elements. The applicant offered options including salvaging the iron bars and masonry fragments for interpretation or relocating limited elements off‑site if feasible.
Board members, staff and the city archaeologist (referenced in staff comments) emphasized the site’s archaeological sensitivity and the civic value of preserving visible historic fabric where practical. Several board members proposed alternatives: stabilize the exterior-facing jail wall in place and incorporate it into a new masonry return or curtain wall that preserves the character and allows public viewing; or saw‑cut salvageable sections and incorporate them into a visible on‑site display with explanatory signage on Alvey or Charlotte Street.
Members requested a certified survey showing exact property lines and wall positions, structural engineering proposals for pinning or stabilizing an exterior wall without encroaching on adjacent property, and a documented plan for salvaging architectural elements and interpretive signage. Because the north wall abuts a neighboring property line and structural options may require work outside the applicant’s property, the board concluded more information is necessary and continued the hearing to the July 16 meeting.
The board asked the applicant to bring 3‑D documentation already prepared, proposed survey overlays and a concrete plan for how any preserved fragments would be displayed or interpreted publicly.
