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Commission grants exception to demolition moratorium for 1827 Indiana, citing unsafe condition
Summary
The City Commission voted 4-0 to grant an exception to the University Place demolition moratorium for 1827 Indiana after city planning staff described the structure as unsafe and beyond repair; neighbors urged caution over historic preservation while the applicant said rehabilitation was infeasible.
The Lawrence City Commission granted an exception to the demolition moratorium for the property at 1827 Indiana Street, voting 4-0 to allow the owner’s contractor to proceed with demolition.
Planning staff Brian Jimenez told the commission that when he inspected the structure on July 7 he found extensive deterioration: “floor joists, floor assembly were rotted, deteriorated for either termite damage, wood rot,” and that the building met criteria for being unsafe and/or dangerous. Jimenez said the structure was gutted and not habitable; he said condemnation and repair/demolition action would be typical had the moratorium not been in place. “In my professional opinion…we would condemn this,” Jimenez said during his presentation.
The applicant’s attorney, Patrick Watkins of CSR Properties LLC, told the commission the house is beyond repair and not eligible to contribute to any historic district, citing a recent state survey that found the structure ineligible. Several neighborhood residents and preservation advocates urged the commission to consider whether the house could be rehabilitated and to remain cautious about setting precedents for lifting the moratorium. Contractor Tim Hamilton and other builders who addressed the commission said the structure looked dilapidated and that rehabilitation costs would likely exceed feasible returns.
Commission discussion focused on balancing the moratorium’s preservation intent against immediate safety and liability concerns. Several commissioners noted the city could be liable if staff were aware of a safety hazard and took no action; staff and the city attorney agreed the city has tools to secure or remove dangerous structures if needed. After deliberation, Commissioner Sellers moved to grant the exemption; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
The commission also asked staff to consider drafting a more comprehensive demolition ordinance and to provide guidance on liability and enforcement procedures in future sessions.
