Clock Ticking for 1950s-era One-story in Athens, Ga.

A demolition permit has been filed for a house at the corner of Pinecrest and University Drive. Built in the 1950s by Alwin Stiles, it's a self-possessed, one-story home on a street with a mix of styles and sizes, including larger, older, two-story buildings. Its thin bricks and tidy landscaping set it apart.

But the clock is ticking on this building: the deadline for demolition to begin is March 15. There was a slight outcry on the FOFP listserv on Tuesday as members learned of the proposed demolition of the house, a three car garage in the back and a swimming pool.

"Better than a mcMonster or Craftsman copy -- a least it is an honest midcentury modern -- which will someday be greatly appreciated," wrote Conoly Hester. "And one of the nice things about older Athens neighborhoods is the diversity of building styles and time periods."

One member wondered if it would be replaced with a Giant Hacienda, one of which has appeared on University in recent years. Throughout Five Points, smaller homes have ballooned into bigness or have been knocked down and replaced with huge houses.

Unless Commissioner Allison Wright, whose District 4 includes the University Drive house, asks for a delay, the demoltion will proceed, said officials in the ACC Planning Department. But she can request a delay, which could be up to 90 days. The commissioners could take action on the building, review its historic properties or move to create a historic district.

The planning department official said a 90-day delay is unusual; they are usually shorter.

What do you think of the practice of tearing down smaller older homes and replacing them with bigger ones? is this a positive thing for the neighborhood, showind that people want to invest in it, or not?

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