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CF.RTTFTCATR OF APPROPRIATENESS STAFF REPORT <br />• That the structure is deteriorated is obvious. Tt is most unfortunate that <br />the most threatening deterioration is related to the mud sills which are at <br />once the most problematic repair required and most fundamental to the <br />structural integrity of the building as a whole. The specifications provided <br />with the cost estimate for the building's repair are extremely brief and Staff <br />is not certain that this estimate reflects only the necessary and sufficient <br />repairs required for maintenance of the building. Neither .is it clear that the <br />indicated repairs would meet the requirements of the Landmark. Standards. <br />However it may not be inferred from the previous statements that repairs which <br />are sufficient and meeting, standards would incur greater expense. The costs <br />and procedures are simply not sufficiently described nor itemized to allow <br />such analysis. <br />As noted above, the survey would indicate that the principal significance <br />of this building is as part o a farmyard ensemble. However Staff believes the <br />building to be of some individual significance due to its appearance of being <br />of earlier construction (second to the log house at this location) and its <br />uniqueness of style and character and possibly of use. Though similar <br />structures may exist, Staff is not presently aware of any other buildings in <br />the County which are similar in design. Staff therefore believes that <br />demolition would cause a significant loss to the community, especially <br />regarding the Landmark Criteria reflecting educational value and the <br />possibility of yielding information for future research. Staff therefore <br />recommends denial of this application. <br />Staff recognizes that the financing of maintenance and repair of this and <br />other historic buildings at the site may not realize immediate economic return <br />• and wishes to emphasize the 'willingness of the commission in assisting the <br />owners by whatever means' are available in financial arrangement's which may <br />benefit the property. Staff has verified that these buildings would be <br />eligible for Federal investment tax credits applied toward historically <br />appropriate rehabilitation. However, this would require plaement of the <br />property on the National Register of Historic Places and the attendant delays <br />and expenses required in so doing. Staff could assist the preparation .of such <br />a nomination. Other benefits might accrue from the granting. of conservation <br />easements which could yield income tax deduction(s) for charitible <br />contribution. <br />As a last resort, Staff would recommend relocation of the structure in <br />preference to demolition. As noted above, the foundation problems are the most <br />threatening, and these could be remedied as part of a relocation program. <br />Relocation would also retain the building itself which is unique as noted <br />above. The building is quite attractive and of sufficient size as to <br />accommodate independent use as a small residence or ,hop. Should demolition be <br />allowed, the thorough documentation of the building should be required. This <br />would make a good Historic American Building Survey (NABS) project for College <br />students. <br />DBD <br />1/8/97 <br />