Historic Preservation Commission Minutes 2007 12 05

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Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes December 5, 2007 Page 7 of 12 Muth stated that subcommittee members Lewis and Muckle toured the site on November 8 and determined that the home is eligible for local land marking because of the social significance of the property. The home at 1016 Lafarge Avenue was home to local miner Tom Stevens who was killed in the 1936 Monarch Mine explosion. He lived in the home at the time of his death. As such, a stay was placed on the demolition request and a public hearing scheduled for December 5. The public hearing was advertised in the Daily Camera on November 20,2007. Muth noted that the applicant was in attendance and could give additional in and answer questions. Muth reminded the Commission that they could vote to either releas the demolition permit or hold the permit for the remainder of the 180-day period. In t case, the 180- day period will expire on April 27, 2008. In that 180-day period the Co ission and applicant may work to find an alternative to demolition. If no alternative i ound by April 27, the applicant is then free to demolish the buildings. Lewis stated that when she and Muckle reviewed the site she s much of the original home still intact and noted that the home had a eal of architectural integrity with the exception of the removal of the front porch. d that her concern regarding the demolition of the building was related to the sign' . ce of the Monarch Mine explosion in the history of Louisville. Rebecca Holley, 2563 Franklin Avenue, stated that she and her husband purchased the home with the intent to demolish it a .ild a modern home that is close to downtown. She added that they want to build al~at complements the neighborhood and contributes to the community. She no :liat it is unfortunate that the site has such social significance as the building is in extremely poor condition and can't be lived is as it is. Tommy Holley, 2563 nklin Avenue, stated he understands the value of the site to the community but added t they had looked into the possibility of putting an addition on the rear of the building bound that architecturally is would be very difficult to save any portion of th ilding due to its current condition. He said it would be extremely expensive p the building to build a new foundation, as well as rewire the electrical w ring the site up to current building codes. He restated their desire to demolish the ing structure and build a new home that is adds new value to the neighborhood. Lewis opened up the hearing to public comments. Jean Morgan, 1131 Spruce Street, asked if there are any funds available to help offset the costs of preserving the original site with an addition. She stated her desire that the City provide such funding if possible. She also asked if the site it saved, could the front porch please be rebuilt.