Historic Preservation Commission Agenda and Packet 2024 01 22

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REQUEST: The applicant requests that the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) approve the demolition of the structures at 516 Grant Avenue. A subcommittee referred the request to the full Historic Preservation Commission. SUMMARY: The applicant is requesting approval to demolish the existing principal structure and detached garage at 516 Grant Avenue. According to the Louisville Municipal Code (LMC) Section 15.36.020, a demolition is an act that 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, the Commission may place a stay on the demolition as long as "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." I n addition, 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. Staff recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the demolition request. ARCHITECTURAL INTEGRITY: The property at 516 Grant Avenue contains a primary structure and detached garage. The primary structure is a side -gabled one-story building. " ", a residential historic context for Louisville from 2018, lists the style of the structure as "Minimal Traditional." Minimal Traditional represent the era from 1930s-1950s and served a similar role as the more famous Ranch -style homes, providing housing in the midcentury and postwar boom. They can feature many different types of materials and roof forms, but they are typically simple in form — what "Stories in Places" describes as "small and boxy." The side -gabled variation often lacked a porch, which was likely the case with 516 Grant. An addition was added circa 1970, according to the building permit file. The 1948 Assessor's Card photo shows different front and side windows, a door on the front elevation that has since been filled in, and different siding. The primary structure appears to maintain integrity in the form of the front portion of the structure, though the changes to the front window and side windows and doors compromise the integrity to an extent. 2