Commission forgoes public hearing on historic building, clears way for demolition

During their Tuesday meeting, a Jefferson City commission listed reasons why a building that is over 100 years old building is considered “dangerous” and should be demolished.

The fate of the building, which was built at 200 East High Street around 1885, was decided two weeks ago when the owner chose to destroy what remained. The building partially collapsed onto Madison Street in June.

The building is part of the “Missouri State Capitol Historic District,” according to the Department of Natural Resources.

All buildings over 100 years old require approval from the city’s Historic Preservation Commission before a demolition permit can be issued. This process requires a public hearing and commission vote.

The commission’s process is exempted if the head of city building regulations, in this case Larry Burkhardt, deems the structure “dangerous,” which he did for 200 E. High St.

After reviewing the building several times with city and contract engineers, Burkhardt said in a memo to the commission that “the consensus cause of failure (appears) to be water infiltration to the exterior unreinforced masonry walls – the main structural component.”

After the collapse, Burkhardt learned that the building shared a wall with its neighbor, 202 East High Street. He said the discovery will “complicate” any construction plans.

In his memo to the commission, Burkhardt said the shared wall is “compromised” so the neighboring building will need “extensive repair.”

Since deciding on demolition, the owner has not yet revealed any future plans for the building. According to city staff, there are no requirements for building design or facade excluding building code requirements.