HomeMy WebLinkAbout03--Project Narrative
DEMOLITION OF UNSAFE STRUCTURE NCOA
802 S. 8TH AVE. BOZEMAN MT, 59715
10/08/2025
PROJECT NARRATIVE
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Table of Contents
PROJECT SUMMARY ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
SITE CONTEXT ................................................................................................................................................................ 3
EXISTING STRUCTURES .................................................................................................................................................. 4
REPLACEMENT STRUCTURE ........................................................................................................................................... 6
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Project Summary
Introduction
Bozeman, Montana is a uniquely vibrant community cherished by residents from all walks of life. It
offers more than just urban amenities—it’s a place to recreate, engage, and belong. South 8th Avenue,
located in the heart of Bozeman’s NCOD district, serves as a walkable corridor linking Montana State
University to Downtown.
The existing structure at 802 S. 8th Avenue is in severe disrepair and poses a significant health and
safety risk. We are therefore requesting demolition of all buildings on the site in accordance with
Bozeman Municipal Code Section 38.340.110, which governs the removal of unsafe structures, whether
historic or non-historic.
Site Context
Location
The project is located at the corner or S 8th Ave and College St.
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Existing Structures
Introduction
This demolition proposal includes three structures:
• 802 S. 8th Avenue (primary residence)
• 714–716 College Street (duplex)
• One garage outbuilding
The primary residence at 802 S. 8th Avenue is in critical condition and poses
serious health hazards. The duplex at 714–716 College Street is currently vacant
and in fair condition
We are proposing demolition of 714-716 and outbuildings with 802 S. 8th for
phasing reasons and to return the lot to an acceptable state per Sec. 38.340.110.
Historic Designation
Please reference the included AER forms for 802 S. 8th and 714-716 College.
06--Exhibit A AER_802 S 8th Ave
07--Exhibit B AER_714-716 W College St
802 S. 8th
802 S. 8th is a white two-story single-family residence constructed between 1898-
1904 and does not meet historic criteria. The building is located within the NCOD
but does not fall within a designated historic district. It is classified as a Non-
contributing structure within the NCOD district.
714-716 College
714-716 consists of two structures, an outbuilding garage and a duplex that was
built around 1940. The building is located within the NCOD but does not fall
within a designated historic district. It is classified as a Non-contributing structure
within the NCOD district. There is no proposed future use under the current
ownership. Building will remain vacant until demolition approval.
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Overall Condition:
On August 27, 2025, Chris Yeley, NCARB of Local Element Architects, and Rick Snidarich
of Stahly Engineers conducted a site survey and reviewed the home inspection report.
Their findings are summarized below:
• The property has been uninhabited for an extended period and exhibits severe
urban decay.
• It is unfit for occupancy and presents immediate health and safety risks.
• Restoration is not feasible due to extensive structural and environmental
damage.
See “08–Existing Images” for photographic documentation.
*Please reference “08-Existing Images” for photo documentation of the property on August 27,
2025.
Site:
The condition of the site is unmaintained with failing sidewalks and overgown vegitation
obsucurring much of the site and building. The site will need extensive vegitation and landscape
medation, installation of new sidewalks and a new fence to meet normal standards for habitation
in the downtown core.
Exterior and thermal envelope:
There is not one element of the thermal envelope that can be salvaged. Water damage has been
extensive and replacement is the only possible option. Siding may contain absbestos.
Structural Elements:
There is an extensive amount of foundation settlement in multiple directions. 10% slopes were
observed in multiple floor locations. Ceilings have caved in to to extensive water infiltration.
From inspection it is apparent that that the foundation has settled to such an extent that it has
comprimised other sturcutral elements of the house.
Please reference provided report “11--802 S 8th Structural Assessment” for a licensed structural
engineers assesment of the existing structure’s condition. The report states that roof structure
has sustained significant enough structural damage that partial collapse may be possible if the
structure is subjected to normal design snow loads and poses a threat to public safety.
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Interior Elements
Indoor Air quality is a major safety concern in this structure. All proffesionals that entered the
building took necessary precautions including masks and hard hats. There is an extensive amoutn
of black mold growth and there is a possibity of absebstos in the ceiling tiles. It is unsafe to
occupy the building without air filtration.
Case for Restoration
Due to the extensive restoration needed to address health and life safety there is no economic
case for restoration. The only salvageable elements of the home are the wood framing members
which would need to be hand disassembled and sandblasted. Hand disassembly would present a
health and safety risk to onsite workers due to unsafe structural conditions and toxic black mold.
Replacement Structure
Subsequent Development
We are proposing reclamation of the site to a safe, graded condition where storm-water
runoff and weeds are controlled.
Please refence “D1.1 Demo Site Plan and A1.1 Reclamation Site Plan”
Proposed Demolition Method
Wet demolition will be performed using excavators and haul trucks. The site will be
fenced and screened for safety, and water will be applied throughout to suppress
airborne pollutants. All work will comply with City of Bozeman demolition standards.
Community Involvement
We are committed to supporting the community throughout this process. We’ve
coordinated with James Short, Battalion Chief of Support Services, to offer the structure
for Bozeman Fire Department training. Upon approval and securing of the site, we will
facilitate its use for training exercises.
See “12–Exhibit D Letter from Fire Chief” for confirmation.