Historic Preservation Commission Agenda and Packet 2022 09 19

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HISTORIC CONTEXT REPORT: The City completed a residential historic context report (Stories in Places: Putting Louisville's Residential Development in Context) in 2018 that includes a list of recommended and priority properties for preservation. 1209 Main is not listed as one of the properties to prioritize for landmarking. The report does recommend additional documentation of different styles of bungalows in the city and, specifically, greater documentation of the Nicola DiGiacomo subdivision. RECOMMENDATION: LMC Sec. 15.36.200 notes that the purpose of demolition review is to: 1. Prevent loss of buildings that may have historic and architectural significance; and 2. Provide the time necessary to initiate designation as an individual landmark or to consider alternatives for the building. Staff finds that the property could meet the architectural and social significance criteria and therefore could qualify for landmarking. Based on evaluation of the criteria in LMC Sec. 15.36.200, the HPC may release the permit, or place a stay on the application for up to 180 days from the date of application, which was July 29, 2022. A full 180 day stay would expire on January 25, 2022. Staff recommends the Historic Preservation Commission issue a 90-day stay from the date of the original application, expiring on October 27, 2022, giving the applicant 38 days after the hearing to research alternatives to demolition. Staff believes a stay below the maximum allowed is appropriate because the applicant has been informed about the preservation options, staff has documented the interior and exterior of the structure, and the Louisville Historical Museum has reviewed staff photos for collection acquisition purposes. As such, the applicant does not need additional time to consider the possibilities for landmarking and staff does not need additional time to document or salvage materials on the property. However, staff recommends placing a shortened stay to afford enough time for the applicant, property owner, staff, and/or any commissioners to discuss alternatives to demolition specific to the ability of the property to function as a duplex by incorporating the existing structure. This recommendation is based on the finding of social significance shown in the Historical Report, which were unavailable for the majority of the review process to date, and for the purpose of attempting to prevent the loss of a building that may have historic significance. ATTACHMENTS: Application Materials 1209 Main Street History • Site Visit Photographs from August 29, 2022 Demolition Review, 1209 Main Street 10