Board approves relocation of two 1941 structures from 17 South M Street with conditions

The Historic Resources Preservation Board voted to approve the relocation of two contributing historic structures from 17 South M Street to 704 1st Avenue South, adopting staff’s recommended conditions of approval.

Anne Hamilton, the board’s staff presenter, told the board the structures were built in 1941, were rehabilitated in 2012, and “the relocation is appropriate because it is relocated within the same downtown context, within the same existing historic district.” Hamilton also listed five staff conditions requiring photographic documentation, updated state site files, a designation application after relocation, and HRPB review of substantial future alterations. Hamilton said the foundation height may be adjusted at staff level by up to 18 inches to accommodate relocation foundations.

Board members asked technical and schedule questions about how the buildings would be moved and whether structural assessments had been performed; applicant representatives said the intent is to move the buildings whole and noted a target timeframe around August, although final schedules depend on design and permitting. During deliberations, a board member moved to approve HRPB project 2600100063 “for a certificate of appropriateness for the relocation of 2 historic structures from 17 South Bend to 704 1st Avenue South with staff recommended conditions of approval,” and the motion carried.

The board’s approval is the local COA decision; staff reminded the public that certain implementation steps — civil/stormwater design, utility coordination and final construction documents — will be reviewed at permit stage and could require additional board review if substantial changes are proposed. The applicant and staff also noted one related structure lacks a feasible relocation site and will be demolished based on earlier commission determinations if no suitable alternative emerges.