Historic Preservation Commission Agenda and Packet 2025 09 08

Home Browse Search

REQUEST: The applicant requests that the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) approve the demolition review application at 1040 LaFarge Avenue for a partial demolition of the building. A subcommittee voted the request to be heard before the Historic Preservation Commission. SUMMARY: The applicant is requesting approval to demolish the eastern addition of the house, demolish the concrete steps and porch on the south side of the house, remove and replace all windows, and remove the chimney. The proposed project also includes a new concrete foundation and basement for the existing structure, a new 1-story addition at the rear, new deck, and new 1-car garage with a studio (for home office use) on the second level (Attachment No. 2). Louisville Municipal Code (LMC) Section 15.36.020 defines demolition as an act that removes fifty percent or more of the roof area as measured from directly above, fifty percent or more of the exterior walls of a building as measured contiguously around the building, or alteration on any exterior wall facing a street. Under Section 15.36.200 of the LMC, if the commission finds that the building may have historical significance under the criteria, the commission may place a stay on the demolition and, "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." In addition, LMC 15.36.200 states, "The commission will make all reasonable efforts to expedite resolution of the application or request." The purpose of demolition reviews, according to LMC 15.36.200, is as follows: The purpose of the review of permit applications for demolition, moving, and removal of buildings constructed in or before 1955 is to prevent the loss of buildings that may have historical or architectural significance. The purpose of this chapter is also to provide the time necessary to initiate designation as an individual landmark or to consider alternatives for the building. The property is not Iandmarked but was approved for probable cause in 2024. A Historic Structure Assessment (HSA) was completed in 2024 (Attachment No. 3). The property owners are not interested in pursuing landmark designation of the property at this time. Following a determination by the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) for the demolition review, the proposal would proceed to the building permit review process. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: Information from Gigi Yang, Louisville Historical Museum The history of 1040 LaFarge is notable for its long ownership by several generations of one family and the blending of Italian, English, and French immigrant families. LaFarge 2