Architectural Review Board approves demolition of landmark at 62 North Riverview Street with salvage conditions

The City of Dublin Architectural Review Board approved a demolition application for the landmark building at 62 North Riverview Street after staff concluded the structure presented dangerous conditions and recommended demolition with conditions.

Staff told the board members that a structural engineer and the chief building official found major deterioration—rotted structural beams, sagging main members and evidence that portions of the stone walls are not anchored to bedrock—and that those conditions made assembly uses unsafe without extensive, costly work. "We are recommending approval of the demolition," the planning staff member said, citing the code provisions related to dangerous conditions and maintenance criteria.

The board attached five conditions to the approval requiring the applicant to make a good‑faith effort to salvage and reuse historic materials where feasible: (1) foundation stone walls that can be salvaged should be reused as a veneer on the new foundation; (2) salvage and reuse chimney stone in the replica chimney if possible; (3) salvage the arched front‑façade window for interior use or elsewhere on the development site; (4) donate or reuse windows, doors and interior wood siding in good condition; and (5) attempt to retain or document the carved stone steps at the lowest level.

Matt Davis, co‑founder and CEO of Cohatch and the project developer, told the board Cohatch has completed multiple historic restorations and "we will use our best effort to try to do those things," while noting rising costs for the new construction. Architect Tim Lai said the new structure would rely on a concrete foundation with a stone veneer if original stones cannot be reused.

The board recorded votes in favor of the motion and the demolition passed with affirmative votes from members present. The planning staff and applicant will return next month with final reconstruction details and additional information about salvage feasibility.

The decision balances the board's interest in retaining site character with staff findings about structural safety and the practical limits of reusing deteriorated materials. The board postponed action on the reconstruction plan itself until it receives the applicant's detailed designs.