The Jefferson City Historic Preservation Commission unanimously approved its first demolition clearance application Tuesday.
The building at 514 Broadway St. is the first under the new demolition ordinance — adopted by the Jefferson City Council in January.
Mike Prenger said he wanted to demolish the building because the cost to rehabilitate it would not be economically feasible. He added the wall in front of the building would remain, though, due to its historic character.
Under the demolition clearance process, the Historic Preservation Commission can approve or deny demolition applications if the building is 100 years or older or in a local historic district.
The building was constructed in 1910, according to MidMoGIS.
The commission had to decide if the property was a notable structure, considering the historic criteria used for a National Register nomination and visual impact. If the commission deems the property notable, it can consider its location, preservation plans, adopted redevelopment plans and building deterioration.
While the building was not on the National Register, in a local historic district or designated as a local landmark, it was located in the Historic Southside/Old Munichburg District and Neighborhood Plan area — adopted by the Jefferson City Planning and Zoning Commission in 2017. Particularly for the area 514 Broadway St. is located in, the plan anticipates expanding housing choices by retaining and improving current homes and developing new ones.
Under the demolition ordinance, properties 50-99 years old, local landmarks and buildings in a National Register District will go through demolition review. The Historic Preservation Commission reviews applications and recommends approval or denial to city staff, who make the final decision.
Properties less than 50 years old will not go through the demolition review or clearance processes.