After The Fire: Preston Place Starts Road to Renewal as Demolition Begins

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Preston Place Demo Exterior 4 Awning

During the early morning hours of March 4, the Preston Place condominiums were destroyed by fire that had seven firefighting companies and over 170 first responders using hoses carrying water from nearly a half a mile away.

The building is now moving forward with its next chapter … demolition.

 Southeast Corner of Preston Place is Knocked Down

Southeast Corner of Preston Place is Knocked Down

Even watching from a distance, you could make out the sad sight of residents’ belongings clattering to the ground.  Books and magazines fluttered as the mechanical claw pulled the building apart.

Preston Place Demo Air 1

Even having experienced demolition multiple times in the past, I’m always struck by how much material there is.  Of course it’s smaller than the building itself, but seeing the charred remains piled high, the sense of loss makes it seem like more.

Preston Place Demo Exterior 6

The first section to go was the east side of the structure. I believe that was because the fire broke out on this side, offering investigators their best chance of uncovering evidence about the fire’s cause. Although the building’s insurance company inspected the building earlier in the week and was unable to determine a cause.

Preston Place Demo Exterior 1

It’s been reported that the underground parking and its concrete podium (roof) that held up the structure will remain, perhaps to act as launch point for whatever is constructed on the site.  Several people I’ve spoken with question why they’d leave anything.  I suspect it has to do with how the reconstruction is classified.

Often when homes are demolished and rebuilt, a section of a wall or the like is preserved.  In this way the project can be classified as a renovation versus new construction.  For some reason, renovations are “easier” than new builds.  In some cities is has to do with code compliance, inspections, and fees.

I do not know if that’s at work here, but I assume so.  After all, as I pointed out, it’s doubtful the skinny lanes around Preston Place are sized correctly based on today’s roadway zoning.  A new build would trip that lever … and likely lose land from road widening … whereas building from the existing garage is grandfathered in.  If you missed my thoughts on redevelopment, click here and here.

Preston Place Demo Exterior 5

That’s not to say the garage and podium will ultimately remain.  On May 10, the homeowners are scheduled to have a special meeting to decide whether to rebuild or sell the property. A developer may want a totally different structure that would not reuse the remaining garage structure.  After all, the structure built to hold three stories of wood construction is quite different than the structural foundations required to build a high-rise.  And should the homeowners opt to sell, it’ll be standing-room-only as the bids roll in for this choice parcel.  I think a sale is almost assured and the vote a legal formality.

Preston Place Demo Exterior 3 Table

In the ensuing weeks, homeowners have been able to retrieve some personal items.  Cars were removed from the underground garage but having been immersed in water and then left to sit, I can’t imagine they’re destined for anywhere but a junkyard.  Others were lucky enough to find personal items.

The demolition taking place now is to stabilize the structure — essentially knocking down anything that could fall down — before debris removal begins on May 3.  On the upside, homeowners will have another opportunity to try and salvage any personal items on May 1 and 2 when there will be recovery experts on site to help owners claim whatever they’re able.

We wish them every success in reclaiming their possessions as they continue to recover from this devastating and ongoing loss.

Remember:  High-rises, HOAs and renovation are my beat. But I also appreciate modern and historical architecture balanced against the YIMBY movement.  If you’re interested in hosting a Candysdirt.com Staff Meeting event, I’m your guy. In 2016, my writing was recognized with Bronze and Silver awards from the National Association of Real Estate Editors.  Have a story to tell or a marriage proposal to make?  Shoot me an email [email protected].

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Jon Anderson is CandysDirt.com's condo/HOA and developer columnist, but also covers second home trends on SecondShelters.com. An award-winning columnist, Jon has earned silver and bronze awards for his columns from the National Association of Real Estate Editors in both 2016, 2017 and 2018. When he isn't in Hawaii, Jon enjoys life in the sky in Dallas.

3 Comments

  1. Larry on April 28, 2017 at 2:37 pm

    Wonder if the ‘renovation’ designation will still grandfather in sprinkler exemption.

    • Jon Anderson on April 28, 2017 at 2:51 pm

      Absolutely not.

  2. Kris-Tina on April 29, 2017 at 3:28 pm

    As one of the owners/survivors of this devastating fire, I wanted to thank you for your article. Please remind your readers how important it is to have copies of important documents in a secure place off site. Additionally, review all insurance policies at least annually and make sure they are adequate. Make a thorough inventory including receipts, appraisals, pictures and/or video, and again, keep an extra copy off site.

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