HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-06-21 Attachment - MacArthur Park Design Guidelines_Section VI_Relocation DemolitionVI. GUIDELINES FOR RELOCATION AND DEMOLITION
1. Relocation
Preserving and restoring buildings on their original sites should be a priority for all significant structures
which contribute to the overall character of an historic district. However, if the use of the land, on
which the building is situated, must significantly change and therefore requires removal of an historic
structure, relocating the building within the district is an acceptable alternative to demolition.
Many historic districts encourage vacant lots to be filled with historic structures, which need to be
moved from their original sites. This may be appropriate if the building is compatible with the district's
architectural character in regards to building orientation, building setbacks, building scale & massing,
roofs, facades, foundations, architectural detailing, materials, and site design. The new foundation walls
should be compatible with the architectural style of the building and the surrounding buildings.
If a proposed building is to be moved within the district or into the district and the building's
architectural style and the date of construction is not within the period of significance of the district, the
building should be reviewed to a higher standard than those buildings that are of an architectural style
and date of construction that is within the period of significance of the district when considering a
Certificate of Appropriateness.
The Little Rock Department of Planning and Development can advise anyone contemplating relocating a
building of the applicable regulations and permits.
2. Demolition
Demolition of significant buildings, which contribute to the historic or architectural integrity of an
historic district, should not occur. The loss of a "contributing" historic building diminishes the overall
character of the district and could jeopardize the National Register Historic District status. Demolition
by neglect occurs when routine maintenance procedures are not followed, allowing damage from
weather, water, insects or animals. Proper routine maintenance and/or rehabilitation are strongly
recommended.
Care should be taken when reviewing for an application for demolition of a structure that was not 50
years old at the time of the survey, but are now or close to 50 years old at the time of application. If the
district was resurveyed, these buildings may be contributing, but may not be contributing. These
applications should be taken on a case by case basis and carefully examine the architecture of the
individual building as well as their context within the district.
Under certain conditions, however, demolition permits may be granted by the Historic District
Commission:
1. The public safety and welfare requires the removal of the building, as determined by the
building or code inspector and concurring reports commissioned by and acceptable to the
LRHDC from a structural engineer, architect, or other person expert in historic preservation.
2. Rehabilitation or relocation is impossible due to severe structural instability or irreparable
deterioration of a building.
3. Extreme hardship has been demonstrated, proven, and accepted by the LRHDC. Economic
hardship relates to the value and potential return of the property, not to the financial status
of the property owner.
4. The building has lost its original architectural integrity and no longer contributes to the
district.
5. No other reasonable alternative is feasible, including relocation of the building.
Demolition of secondary buildings (garages, sheds, etc.) may be appropriate if they have substantially
deteriorated (requiring 50% or more replacement of exterior siding, roof rafters, surface materials, and
structural members.)
55