A historic home on Capitol Avenue could be torn down sooner than expected in the wake of a destructive fire.
The home at 407 E. Capitol Ave. suffered extensive damage from a structure fire Sept. 24. Ryan Moehlman, the city attorney, wrote a memo to the Jefferson City Council saying the building's back half is structurally compromised.
On Monday, the council will weigh whether it's worth salvaging during its regular meeting at 6 p.m.
Any other property in 407's condition would likely be demolished immediately, considering the level of fire damage coupled with its deteriorated state, Moehlman said. But 407's situation is unique given it's one of a dozen historic properties subject to potential restoration.
It's part of an arduous redevelopment project the city is undertaking involving 12 buildings that were declared dangerous. An end goal is the city seeking bids to rehabilitate derelict homes owned by Barbara Buescher; the other option is demolition by neglect.
Structural assessments for the buildings are now completed, and the council will assess them to determine whether properties should stay or go. If the council finds some are viable for repair, bids will be accepted from private and commercial entities to do so. Those reports are available at the city's website under the tab Capitol Avenue Plans.
Moehlman said 407 will be demolished by contractors this week if the council decides it is too dangerous to exist.
"If the council decides to not demolish the building, the city will need to immediately undertake stabilization efforts to attempt to mitigate future break-ins and further deterioration," he wrote in the memo.
Moehlman said the planning division estimates these efforts cost $2,500-$3,500.
The structural assessment of 407 estimates the property's value at $47,500. The front porch roof is partially collasped, and its brick chimney remains a falling hazard. Signs of moisture damage appear in several spaces.
Costs for repairing it were estimated at $146,000, a low price point compared to other properties assessed. The highest price to repair a property belongs to 429 E. Capitol Ave., totaling about $1.15 million.
Full presentations on structural assessments will likely be given during the Oct. 17 council meeting.