Historic Preservation Commission Minutes 2008 12 15

Home Browse Search

Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes December 15, 2008 Page 3 of 7 Michael Schonbrun, 1331 Hecla Drive, stated he had no formal presentation to make but does have some comments. He stated he would like to see the building preserved, but could not accommodate the building on the site. His plans for the site are for a three building skilled nursing facility on the site and the feasibility study he has completed could not find a place for the building on the site that would allow enough space for the new facility. He stressed that he would welcome anyone who might be interested in taking the building and noted he would give the building to a perspective owner, and may be able to help in moving it to a new location if anyone steps forward. Lewis asked for public comments. Jean Morgan, 1131 Spruce Street, encouraged the owner to maintain the building on site noting the importance of the building to the history of Louisville. Barring reuse on site, Morgan encourage finding a new site for the building. Lewis opened up the hearing for Commission questions. Lewis asked if there was anywhere on the site the building could be located? Schonbrun stated that a formal survey has not been done, but initial reviews show that the site is fairly limited due to the mine shafts and tunnels. Additionally the site is not large enough to allow for a great deal of flexibility. Lewis asked if there is subsidence on the property. Schonbrun stated there is some to the south of the site, but this site appears to be solid. Lewis asked about the condition of the interior of the building. Schonbrun stated he thought it was in reasonable condition. Upgrades had been completed when the current tenants moved it. However, it is not ideal and he is currently charging a submarket rent to keep the building leased. Lewis asked if he had any specific information on the mechanical and plumbing systems. Schonbrun stated he did not know specific information. He added that much maintenance had been deferred by the previous owner so when he purchased it he put in many upgrades to make it rentable. He stated the building is functional and utilitarian. He does not know specifically what would be required to bring the building up to code. Lewis asked if a structural assessment had been completed on the building. Schonbrun said none had been done. Muckle asked if he had done any brainstorming on ways (office, meeting space etc.) to reuse the building on site.