Page 55 - State College, PA Design Guidelines

• 06.28.2018

Feasibility of Alternatives to

Demolition

This section provides alternatives to the partial or full demolition of
a contributing main. These alternatives should be considered prior to
approving demolition.

SALE OF THE PROPERTY
When a property owner has proposed demolition of a historic building, the
alternative of selling the property should first be considered. The sale of a
historic building and property ensures that the building is kept with its site.
A new owner may be able to use the historic building as is or may consider
a new use of the building and property that maintains the contributing status
of the property to the local district, while keeping the building in active use.

RELOCATING A HISTORIC BUILDING

The association of a building with its site, its specific orientation and
placement on the property and the foundation on which it sits, are
themselves key features that contribute to the significance of a property.
Therefore, relocation is to be avoided as it compromises the integrity of
the historic building and often the integrity of the historic district. However,
in some instances, relocating a historic building may not substantially affect
the integrity of a building, and might provide an opportunity where the
preservation of the historic property will be assured as a result. Where these
unique circumstances occur, the relocation of a contributing main building
that preserves the key character-defining features may be the only viable
option to demolition.

Reasons that May Justify the Relocation of a Historic
Structure:

If the Borough is to consider relocation as an option, at least one of the
following conditions should be found to exist:

• The building is historic, but research shows that it has been
relocated in the past and therefore possesses no integrity of
location.
• Relocation is the best preservation alternative to demolition, and
is the only means of saving the building from certain loss.
• The building in question intrudes on the public right-of-way.
• The existing context has been so substantially altered that it
impedes one’s ability to interpret the historic character of the
building.
• The existing site itself poses a threat to the property. (For
example, an inherent fault in site drainage or unstable soils
continuously undermines the foundation and building fabric.)

CHAPTER 4 • DEMOLITION • HARB REVIEW REQUIRED 49