In the Thursday July 16 edition of the Courier-Journal, it was reported that the South End Investment Group has “applied again for permission to demolish the landmark building [Colonial Gardens]“.

We at Restore Colonial Gardens are unsurprised by this action as we have understood all along that it is the developer’s prerogative to exhaust all appeals in the landmark process.  We support due process under the rule of law.

It appears however that this latest request is being considered to be without merit by the landmark commission staff:

In a report filed July 6, city landmarks supervisor Dave Marchal recommended the committee deny the application because demolishing the building would be in “direct contrast” to landmark guidelines.

In our reading of the staff report and comments by Mr. Marchal, it is clear that SEIG, with its March filing for demolition approval, deflected any possibility of “other solutions and scenarios” outside of demolition, even though in multiple, seemingly obvious findings Mr. Marchal contends demolition essentially goes up against any pertinent fact that is thrown at it.

The staff report refers to the “premise” for demolition that is described in the Commission pamphlet entitled “Economic Hardship Exemption and Guidelines for Demolition.”:

“The first and most important guideline for demolition of an existing contributing structure within any historic district or any individual landmark within Louisville is: Unless the City (Metro Louisville Government) has determined that it poses an imminent threat to life or property, do not demolish any historic structure or part of a historic structure that contributes to the integrity of any historic district, or any individual landmark or part of an individual landmark.”

Marchal’s corresponding finding is (links and bolding were added):

The entire structure known as Colonial Gardens, including later contiguous additions, is considered historically contributing as recognized by its designation as an individual landmark. Louisville Metro Government, represented by the Chief Building Inspector has visited the site and has determined that the structure does not pose an imminent threat to life or property.

A significant caveat to the above premise is that “The demolition will not adversely affect the landmark’s distinctive characteristics taken as a whole, retained over time.”  Marchal then answers that with the finding that “the demolition has adverse impact as it permanently removes all such characteristics of the building.”

Marchal also expresses a good level of detail pertaining to how the building can be restored, including the resurfacing or reconstructing of features that have been covered up or removed in the building’s previous renovations.  Basically, Colonial Gardens is ready-made for redevelopment, with many potential changes to the building that maintain the historic character of the structure not even being subject to further review by the Commission!

In our estimation, the staff report can be summed up this way:  Demolition would revert the duly approved landmarking of a historic building without any available justification.

The Commission’s public meeting to review the demolition request will take place Wednesday, July 22, 6:30 pm in the Old Jail Building on 514 W. Liberty Street.  Mr. Marchal suggested that the venue may change, and if it does, we will update this post.

Update: The address for the meeting was changed. It’s still in the Old Jail Building, but apparently at a different entrance.