HARB clears demolition of the altered main house at 17 Salt Run Court, continues two cottages for review

The Historic Architectural Review Board approved demolition of the primary, heavily-altered residence at 17 Salt Run Court on March 19 and continued review of two smaller cottages on the same parcel until the applicant completes structural assessments and explores rehabilitation options.

Staff told the board the primary structure has been substantially altered by renovations and permitting records, and recommended approval of a certificate of demolition for the main building while conditioning any demolition of the cottages on a good-faith effort to salvage usable materials. Staff specifically pointed to a large brick chimney and interior wood finishes as elements the applicant should attempt to salvage pursuant to Section 28-89-6 of the city code, which calls for salvage efforts when demolishing structures 50 years or older.

Applicant Gabe Nolan said he prefers to rehabilitate the two cottages if they prove structurally sound; board members suggested approving the main building's demolition today and continuing the cottages to a date uncertain to allow time for assessments or withdrawal if the owner elects to preserve them. One board member added a condition that demolition and building permits be coordinated to reduce lag time between removal and reconstruction.

The motion to approve demolition of the main structure and to continue the cottages passed by roll call; the board added that the applicant should make a good-faith effort to salvage brick and other historic materials where present.