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DATE: September 13,
2010
TO: Historic Landmark Commission
FROM: Stephen C. Richardson, Planning Manager
SUBJECT: Request for a certificate of appropriateness to allow the
demolition of a house
FILE: CA- 1840
NOTE: This item was tabled at the August 9, 2010.
STAFF REPORT
The Planning Manager recommends denial.
DSW Home, LLC has applied for a certificate of appropriateness to
allow the demolition of the existing house at 1561 Park Street. The
existing house has hurricane damage. The demolition and the
construction of a new home are being done under the State of Texas
THAP Program.
1561 Park is not in an historic district. However, in 1990, the City
placed a local historic designation on the house. Because of this
designation, the Historic Landmark Commission must approve a
certificate of appropriateness for demolition.
Brenda Wilridge, the current owner, spoke with the Planning Manager
about saving the house but said she could not afford to do so. She
asked DSW Homes to remodel the house. However, the government
program states that if there over $40,000 in damage, then the house
must be demolished and a new one built. DSW determined that the
structure sustained over $40,000 in damage.
Prior to the August 13 Historic Landmark Commission, staff met with
Ms. Wilridge to discuss the possibly of using Hurricane Ike money to fix
the house. At that time, Ms. Wilridge stated that it was no longer
her desire to fix the house preferring, instead, to have a new house
built.
Discussions have occurred over providing Ms. Wilridge another lot upon
which she could have a house built. A vacant City-owned lot in the
north end was offered to Ms. Wilridge but she does not want to live in
the north end. Others are currently trying to find a temporary or
permanent spot to move the house to. At this time, the City has no
other property available for Ms. Wilridge to build on.
Exhibits are attached.