ARCOM to vote on Testas demolition

Several high-profile demolition projects are on the agenda for Wednesdays Architectural Commission meeting, including one to raze Testas restaurant.

In addition to the restaurant, the Testa family plans to demolish the vacant gas station and lots on Sunset Avenue used for retail space, storage and parking. Family members have said they plan to rebuild the restaurant along with the rest of the 1.3-acre property.

Commissioners likely will approve the demolition request because none of the Testas buildings is protected under the towns landmark ordinance.

They also likely will approve applications to demolish residences at 20 and 30 Blossom Way that used to be the homes of Mary P. Bolton, the widow of Kenyon C. Bolton II. He was a descendant of the Bingham family that owned the original 17-acre, ocean-to-lake estate named Figulus, which was built in 1894 and subdivided in the late 1970s to become Blossom Estates.

The properties sold for a combined $50 million in December 2012 to the Black Calabash Family Holdings LLC.

Figulus IV, the house at 20 Blossom Way, won the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beachs Ballinger Award in 1991, recognizing its historically sensitive design. Boltons son, architect Kenyon C. Bolton III, designed both houses, which were completed in 1989.

The commission also will hear projects for several new residences, including newly elected Landmarks Preservation Commission Chairman William Cooleys proposed two-story house at 266 Fairview Road.

Also on the agenda:

* Demolition of the two-story apartment building at 245 Atlantic Ave. and construction of a new 4,977-square-foot, two-story single family residence with pool for Mr. and Mrs. Elvio DelZotto.

* Demolition of Ray and Kim Celedinas residence at 619 Island Drive.

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ARCOM to vote on Testas demolition