Title
HPC09-41, Demolition, 96 Pratt St., Roswell United Methodist Church, Land Lot 385
Body
Item Summary:
Roswell United Methodist Church is requesting permission to demolish the two structures located at 96 Pratt Street in accordance with the Roswell Historic District Guidelines. It is their intent to maintain the 96 Pratt street proerty as green space for the foreseeable future.
Staff Report:
Background
The primary structure located at 96 Pratt Street was constructed in 1910 according to the Fulton County Tax Digest and is classified as “Historic” on the Historic Properties Map.
Proposal
The applicant’s proposal is for the demolition of both structures located at 96 Pratt Street. The applicant states that they meet four conditions of demolition required by the Historic District Design Guidelines.
If the demolition application is approved, the Church intends to maintain the property as green space and use it for outdoor activities.
Zoning
The property is zoned H-R/H-R (Historic Roswell / Historic Roswell).
North: R-2/H-R (Single Family Residential/Historic Roswell)
South: H-R/H-R (Historic Roswell/Historic Roswell)/R-2/H-R (Single Family Residential/Historic
Roswell)
East: H-R/H-R (Historic Roswell/Historic Roswell)
West: E-2/H-R (Single Family Residential / Historic Roswell)
Department Comments
Fire:
• There are no comments at this time.
Landscaping:
• There are no comments at this time.
Public Works/Environmental:
• There are no comments at this time.
Transportation
• The applicant must act appropriately to prevent any debris from flying over or land in the traveling pavement or the City of Roswell & GDOT right-of-ways.
Building:
• Demolition permit can be granted with the condition that the contractor must conduct testing and abatement for asbestos and lead base paint as necessary.
Engineering:
• There are no comments at this time.
Recreation and Parks:
• There are no comments.
Significance
The structure is classified as “Historic” on the Historic Properties Map and constructed in 1910 according to the Fulton County Tax Digest. This structure is an example of a bungalow with Craftsman details. The structure has a front gabled roof and chimney. The house was altered with two additions and changes to the front porch including metal awnings and screens.
The accessory building located towards the rear of the site served at one time as a chicken coop and was later converted to living quarters according to the applicant’s letter of intent. The construction date of the secondary building is unknown and it does not appear to have any architectural significance.
Surrounding Area
Pratt Street contains several single-family residential structures of similar size and age to the house located at 96 Pratt Street. Also prominent in this area is the campus of the Roswell United Methodist Church
Design Guidelines
Demolition of historic structures should not occur.
Demolition may only be approved if one or more of the following conditions are met: 1) Where public safety and welfare requires the removal of a structure or building, 2) Where the structural instability or deterioration of a property is demonstrated through a report by a structural engineer or architect, 3) Where buildings have lost their original architectural integrity and no longer contribute to the character of the district, 4) an inappropriate or non-significant addition or accessory structure.
The primary structure located at 96 Pratt Street is architecturally significant and could be successfully rehabilitated, as the historic core of the house appears to be intact.
Staff would support the demolition of the incompatible additions to the primary structure and demolition of the second structure on the site.
Staff Recommendation
Demolition in the Historic District has the potential to destroy the character and scale of the district. For this reason and based the architectural integrity of these structures, the staff recommends denial of the request to demolish the primary (bungalow) structure at 96 Pratt Street but would support demolition approval of the incompatible additions and secondary structure.
The rehabilitation of the historic structure would compliment the character of the street while removal of the additions and secondary structure would provide desired green space for outdoor ministry activities as desired by the Church.
Presented by:
Cherith Marshall, Planner II