Page 53 - State College, PA Design Guidelines

• 06.28.2018

In some cases, the original designation of a structure as contributing or
non-contributing to the historic district in which it is located may no longer
be valid because the structure has lost its historic integrity, or because the
passage of time or change in appreciation of the structure has resulted in the
structure contributing to the character of the district. These changes in the
status of the building affect whether demolition is appropriate.

IMPACT ON THE STREET AND DISTRICT
Consider the impact of removing the historic building relative to its context.
Demolition may be more appropriate where the removal of the historic
building does not significantly impact the perception of the block as viewed
from the street.

• Consider the impact that demolition will have on surrounding
structures, including neighboring properties, properties on the
same block or across the street, or properties throughout the
individual historic district.
• Consider whether the building is part of an ensemble of historic
buildings.

CONDITION

The physical condition of the historic structure should be considered when
determining whether or not a structure may be demolished.

• Consider the condition of the structure in question. Demolition
may be more appropriate when a building is deteriorated or in
poor condition.

ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY OF PRESERVATION
VS. DEMOLITION

The condition of a contributing historic building may influence the owner to
consider its demolition. However, the demolition of a historic building and
a subsequent new construction is often costlier than the preservation and
renovation of the historic building itself. A property owner should consider
the preservation of a structure and the potential to phase preservation
projects in a more cost-effective way. With preservation in mind, the owner
could also consider the reuse of the building, making interior alterations to
accommodate its use.

• Consider the cost-effectiveness of ongoing, phased preservation
of a historic building rather than complete demolition.

• Consider making interior alterations to a historic building that
will make it more usable, while preserving the exterior features
that make it a historic building and that contribute to the
character of the local historic district.

CHAPTER 4 • DEMOLITION • HARB REVIEW REQUIRED 47