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Homeowner seeks approval to demolish deteriorated garage in Cornell Heights
Summary
An Ithaca homeowner asked the Landmarks Preservation Commission to allow demolition and replacement of a deteriorated three-bay garage at 214 Wade Ave; staff flagged the garage as likely contributing (c.1927) and commissioners requested contractor assessments before any decision, so the application was tabled.
Lauren, the homeowner and applicant for 214 Wade Ave, asked the commission to approve demolition and replacement of a detached three-bay garage she says has “significant structural deterioration.” She told the commission the roof has moss growth, framing is rotted, doors are misaligned and largely inoperable, and a contractor and an independent renovation expert both advised that rehabilitation would not be economically practical.
Staff historic review noted the garage appears on historic Sanborn maps from about 1927 and therefore likely dates to the district’s period of significance. “As a resource built during the district’s period of significance, it is considered contributing until the commission makes a determination that it has lost significant integrity,” staff said, urging the commission to weigh material integrity against the Secretary of the Interior standards.
Commissioners debated whether the building could be salvaged or whether replacement was required. A preservation-minded commissioner cautioned, “I’m not going to vote to demolish something until we’ve understood what repairs would be necessary to save it,” and asked for a contractor assessment of what portion of original material would remain after any repairs. Other members noted the commission may not base demolition solely on economic arguments and described an economic-hardship appeal process that could be pursued separately if the owner elects.
Because only four commission members were present and a unanimous vote would be needed to take final action, the ILPC tabled the application and asked the applicant to provide targeted contractor documentation (foundation condition, estimate of what must be replaced, and a reconstruction/repair plan). Staff offered to work with the applicant to schedule a special meeting or a site visit once that information is submitted. The applicant said she was willing to delay to get the necessary documentation.
