Renowned architect John Hasecoster designed the Free Classic-style home at 1907 E. Main St. in Richmond late in the 19th century, but the garage currently behind the historic home wasn’t built until after Hasecoster sold the property.
Now, that deteriorated garage, which is about 95 years old, will be demolished.
Property owner Jack Cruse received a certificate of appropriateness July 14 from the city’s Historic Preservation Commission for the demolition. He said the garage is not salvageable because the concrete will not support a new roof’s weight.
Commission members voted 5-0 to permit the demolition, and they required that Cruse return within a year showing them plans for a replacement structure. Cruse needed the commission’s certificate of appropriateness because the property is in the Linden Hill Conservation District.
According to county property records, Hasecoster constructed the home in 1895. A photo displayed for the commission shows a barn-type structure originally existed where the garage now stands. Hasecoster sold the property in 1920, and the garage is believed to have been built around 1930.
Dustin Purvis, the city’s planning director, said the garage does not contribute to Linden Hill’s broader architectural integrity or its historic character. Planning staff recommended the commission approve the demolition.
Neighbor Robert Emmenegger opposed demolition. He said the garage is not as deteriorated as his garage that was saved.
“I know it can be saved,” said Emmenegger, adding he doesn’t want to look at a new structure. “I want this to look good. I want it to maintain its historical significance.”
Richmond’s Code Enforcement department responded to a complaint earlier this year and in April sent Cruse a notice of violation, indicating that the garage needs to be repaired or demolished. About three weeks later, Code Enforcement sent Cruse a letter fining him $100 because the situation had not been resolved.
Cruse told commission members that he plans to replace the garage with a similar structure next year, but the violation letter and fine accelerated his demolition timetable.
A version of this article will appear in the July 23 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.