Civil War-era building demolition could delay Bassett apartments

In a move that could delay construction of a four-story mixed-use project in the Bassett neighborhood, city planners say a Civil War-era building slated for demolition should be saved.

The Keller Real Estate Group is proposing 18 apartment units over first floor commercial space at the corner of East Main and South Bassett streets. It would require demolishing the two-story painted brick building at 502 W. Main St. and another older house next door.

But a new report from city planner Heather Stouder says the 502 building, while not a designated landmark, warrants some attention. Granting a demolition permit, she says, is potentially inconsistent with the 2012city Downtown Plan which urges preserving historic buildings that contribute to the essential character of downtown and its neighborhoods."

Instead of backing a demolition permit, city staff is recommending Keller find a new location for the building and is offering to help with that moving effort.

As a relatively small building, this should be technically feasible, so long as the structure is sound enough and so long as a suitable site nearby can serve as a receiving property, writes Stouder.

The project is before the city Urban Design Commission Wednesday and is tentatively scheduled for the Plan Commission on Monday.

The city Landmarks Commission also reviewed the project last month and while not asked for an official ruling, expressed regret over the continued loss of the architectural history of the neighborhood.

Constructed around 1866 there are conflicting reports to its exact age the building at 502 W. Main has served as a family residence, a hotel, a grocery store, a pizza parlor and a liquor store. Most recently its been home to Daffodil Parker Floral Designers.

Keller has owned the building since 1999 and while its been well maintained, the developers say its not worth preserving and could be difficult to move to a new site because of its age and fragile condition.

The project has created some conflict for Keller architect Ed Linville, who has worked on historic preservation efforts in the past.

Read more from the original source:
Civil War-era building demolition could delay Bassett apartments