Commission conditionally approves demolition of contributing house at 2471 McDowell, 4-3

The Augusta Historic Preservation Commission voted 4–3 to grant conditional approval to demolish the contributing 1916 house at 2471 McDowell Street and to allow construction of a new single-family home on the lot, subject to conditions. Staff concluded the petitioner presented sufficient evidence that rehabilitation posed an unreasonable hardship and recommended conditional approval. The approval included that the demolition permit must be obtained within six months of COA approval and new construction be completed within 18 months.

Petitioner Lewis White, who said he purchased the property May 9 and that it had been vacant for about five years prior, submitted a structural assessment dated June 6, 2025, and an appraisal. The structural report and photographs were included in the staff packet; Mr. White said he planned to demolish rather than pursue tax credits or rehabilitation. He indicated the property is an investment, not a primary residence.

Historic Augusta’s Eric Montgomery and other commissioners urged caution and additional photographic and structural detail, saying the house appeared salvageable from the documentation they reviewed. Commissioners who supported the demolition cited the structural report, extensive moisture and rot described by a contractor/inspector in the hearing, and the owner’s documentation and post-demolition design. Staff’s conditional approval required the new construction substantially conform to the submitted post-demolition plan and that substantial design changes return to the commission for review.

The motion to adopt staff recommendation carried with four commissioners voting in favor and three opposed; the chair announced the motion passed.