CRITERIA FOR THE REVIEW OF DEMOLITION IN THE WILLIAMSON STREET BUILD STUDY AREA

In addition to the criteria in the Landmarks ordinance, it is recommended to add the following criteria to be considered when determining if a building can be demolished. Should a building fit one or more of the criteria below it will not be considered suitable for demolition:

· Whether the building or structure is within a grouping of similar buildings or

structures that creates a distinctive historic rhythm of masses and spaces that would

be significantly altered by the removal of one or more of its parts.

· Whether the building contributes to the working-class architectural character of the neighborhood.

· Whether the building was built more than 50 years ago, unless it has no historic or architectural merit.

· Whether the building is closely associated through ownership, tenancy, family relationship or use with other buildings in the district.

· Whether the building has unique characteristics because of the immigrants who built, lived or worked in the building.

· Whether the building has architectural characteristics associated with hand built buildings, such as hand-hewn timbers, wood siding, scroll saw cut architectural trim, stone foundation or finished stone trim.

· Whether the building was built from local materials such locally harvested timber, locally quarried stone or brick from a Madison brick yard.

Only in extreme cases can demolition of any pre-1945 building in the Williamson Street neighborhood be justified. Demolition is not permitted if the building makes a positive contribution to the neighborhood and the street's appearance and has an effect on other buildings in the area, unless the building is beyond all feasible economic repair as determined by the Commission and/or its consultants. Evaluation must be done by an analyst independent of the entity that proposes demolition and the analyst must have experience with historic restoration. Demolition of portions of historically and/or artistically relevant buildings is discouraged.