Historic Preservation Commission Agenda and Packet 2021 12 20

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REQUEST: • The applicant requests the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) release the demolition permit for the existing principal structure and accessory structures at 612 Jefferson Avenue. A subcommittee referred the request to the Historic Preservation Commission because they found probable cause to believe that the property may be eligible for designation as a landmark. • The applicant requests that the HPC find probable cause for a landmark designation to allow for funding of a historic structure assessment for 612 Jefferson Avenue. SUMMARY: The applicant is requesting: • Approval to demolish the existing principal structure and three accessory structures at 612 Jefferson Avenue. According to the Louisville Municipal Code (LMC) section 15.36.020, a demolition is an act which removes "fifty percent or more of the roof area as measured from directly above," or "fifty percent or more of the exterior walls of a building as measured contiguously around the building". Under section 15.36.200 of the LMC, if the commission finds that the building may have historical significance under the criteria "no permit for demolition, moving or removal shall be issued for a period not to exceed 180 days from the date the permit application was accepted ... The commission will make all reasonable efforts to expedite resolution of the application or request." • A finding of probable cause for landmark designation to allow for funding of a historic structure assessment for 612 Jefferson Avenue. Under Resolution No. 17, Series 2019, a property may be eligible for reimbursement for a historic structure assessment (HSA) from the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) if the Historic Preservation Commission finds "probable cause to believe the building may be eligible for landmarking under the criteria in section 15.36.050 of the Louisville Municipal Code." Further, "a finding of probable cause under this Section is solely for the purposes of action on the pre- landmarking building assessment grant request, and such finding shall not be binding upon the HPC, City Council or other party to a landmarking hearing." Staff recommendations: Staff recommends approval of a 90 day stay from the date of application, expiring on January 13, 2022, giving the applicant time to research alternatives to demolition as well as pursue a historic structure assessment, if approved by the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). Staff recommends that the HPC find there is probable cause for landmarking 932 Main Street making the property eligible for the cost of a historic structure assessment. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: Information from Bridget Bacon, Louisville Historical Museum Boulder County gives 1900 as the year of construction for this property. Although the dates given by Boulder County have sometimes been found to be in error with respect to historic buildings in Louisville, for this particular house there was no other evidence found that could help prove or disprove this date. The property in question is outside of the boundaries of the Sanborn Maps that were done for Louisville in 1893, 1900, and 1908 (they focused on the downtown business district and LaFarge Avenue only). The house does appear in the correct location on the 1909 Drumm's Wall Map of Louisville.