DEPARTMENT: Office of Historic Preservation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Shanon Miller, Director
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: All
SUBJECT:
Briefing regarding the deconstruction and salvage initiative and associated draft policy components.
SUMMARY:
In 2017, Councilman Roberto Trevi?o initiated a Council Consideration Request (CCR) in response to demolition penalties and neighborhood concerns in San Antonio. One of the recommendations from that effort was to explore deconstruction as an alternative to traditional demolition. Deconstruction refers to the systematic disassembly of a structure in the opposite order it was constructed in order to maximize the salvage of materials for reuse.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
For the past year, OHP staff has worked with stakeholders and the public to draft a potential deconstruction ordinance that would apply to older buildings approved for demolition. Deconstruction is a more sustainable approach to building removal than demolition, and the repurposing of high-quality and valuable historic materials contributes to the local economy. On average, deconstruction employs six times the amount of workers compared to demolition and can contribute to the growth of local salvage, abatement, warehousing, retailing, and creative reuse industries.
More than 40% of existing buildings in San Antonio are of historic age. Maintaining and repairing older buildings is most successful when reclaimed and salvaged historic materials are available. The increased availability of high-quality, salvaged materials such as longleaf pine and old-growth lumber will improve affordability and accessibility for property owners which can help to prolong the life of our historic districts, neighborhood conservation districts, and existing housing stock.
This strategy also aligns with the draft framework for the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. Over 400 buildings are demolished in San Antonio every year. A deconstruction program for select building typ...
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