THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, February 21, 2020 Page 3 Malden Historical Commission concludes One Salem St. poses serious public safety threat, faces demolition Special to The Advocate A fter months of review and independent structural analysis, the Malden Historical Commission has concluded that the building at One Salem St. poses a serious public safety threat and must be demolished immediately. Following the filing of Notice of Intent to Demolish a Building by the property owner, Alpha Business Center, the application was referred to the Commission for review as required by the recently passed Demolition & Alteration Delay Ordinance. At a public meeting on May 9, 2019, the Commission determined that One Salem St., a 1906 Classical Revival building, formerly a bank, commercial block and meeting hall, has historical significance, as documented by the City of Malden in its inventory on file with the Massachusetts Historical Commission. At a public hearing held on June 5, 2019, the Commission received public comment from numerous citizens and City officials in opposition to the demolition of One Salem St. and in favor of the preservation of the building. Following the hearing, the Commission determined the building is Preferably Preserved and its demolition was to be delayed for 12 months. As part of its decision, the Commission requested that the owner work with the Commission and City officials to redesign the project and recommended preservation of as much as possible of the building and façade. The Commission requested an independent evaluation of the structural integrity of the building, funded by the applicant. The Commission identified qualified firms to perform the independent evaluation, and the owner selected and paid for Rene Mugnier Associates of Cambridge. This independent evaluation confirmed the original evaluations by the owner’s engineer, David Brosnan of Structural Integrity Engineering Group of Medford, and also confirmed there are grave public safety issues with the existing building that require immediate attention. The progressively deteriorating condition of One Salem St. had been under review by the City since May 2018, when the building was deemed to be dangerous and unsafe and the owner was ordered to evaluate the exterior façade and protect the sidewalk. At the time of the Commission’s initial review in May 2019, temporary shoring of the façade was already in place to protect the public sidewalk and street. During the Commission’s review, Building Commissioner Nelson Miller ordered installation of proper professional shoring and sidewalk and street protection, and on November 21, 2019, ordered the building to be vacated. During the months of the demolition delay period, the Commission engaged in discussion and dialogue with the property owner and its attorney, engineer and architect. Commission meetings were attended by various City officials, including Ward 4 Councillor Ryan O’Malley; Maria Luise, Special Assistant to Mayor Christenson; MRA Executive Director Deborah Burke; and Building Commissioner Miller. During these discussions, the Commission explored alternatives to demolition, and the owner proposed to construct a replica of the existing building, subject to the Commission’s review of the architectural design of the façade. Councillor O’Malley proposed creation of a Local Historic District for the Converse Square area, which received the support of the full City Council and remains in process. The City has documented the historical significance of Converse Square in its inventory on file with the Massachusetts Historical Commission. On the determination, Councillor O’Malley said, “The City Council and the Historical Commission collaborated to create the Demolition Delay Ordinance in 2018 to protect our historic buildings for future generations of Maldonians. I would like to thank the Commission for its historic preservation efforts to save 1 Salem Street from demolition. It is unPUBLIC SAFETY | SEE PAGE 6 781-321-7700 DISCOUNT FURNITURE COMPLETE LINE OF QUALITY FURNITURE AT LOW PRICES *BEDROOM SETS *DINING ROOM SETS *KITCHEN SETS ASHLEY SOFA *SOFA / LOVE SEATS *TABLES & CHAIRS *COMPUTER DESKS $399.00 ASHLEY BEDROOM SETS 895.95 $ LAYAWAY PLANS AVAILABLE 42 Willow St., Malden, Ma. Nursing home or your home? Know your options. If you’re 65+ and eligible for MassHealth Standard, call now for this free brochure about an important health plan option. Commonwealth Care Alliance® is dedicated to helping you live safely in your own home for as long as possible. 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