FULLERTON : Hold Put on Razing of Cusick Home

The Planning Commission has granted permission for the demolition of a historic Victorian home but has given potential buyers six months to come up with a way to save and preserve the structure.

Preservationists were confident that the commission’s 4-2 decision last week would give them enough time to find a buyer for the turn-of-the-century residence, at 315 E. Amerige Ave. The building, called the Cusick Home after an early owner, is one of the last remaining structures of its kind in North County.

The owners of the Cusick Home sought the demolition permit to boost the marketability for potential developers. City zoning code permits developing the 7,000-square-foot lot with a four-unit apartment or condominium complex.

“A developer won’t even talk to you unless you have a way to clear the property,” said Janet Hastings, whose family owns the property. She said that the home is no longer inhabited because of damage caused by previous tenants and that the residence needs foundation work, a new kitchen, floors and plumbing.

“We’re paying taxes on a property we can’t do anything with,” Hastings said, adding that she fears that the value of the property could decline because of the six-month hold placed on the demolition. “With the economy, in six months is the bottom going to fall out of the housing market?” she asked.

City officials say the home is salvageable and well worth saving. The Queen Anne-style structure was built about 1895 and is distinguished for its varied roof line, ornamental shingles, front gables and elaborate windows.

A preservationist group, Fullerton Heritage, is seeking a buyer for the home and asked that the demolition permit be denied. But David Zenger, a co-founder of the group, said that he was satisfied with the decision.

But Hastings said that the two offers from buyers interested in saving the home have been too low.

The home is listed among about 90 structures on the Fullerton Historical Building Survey, which alerts city officials to consider alternatives to demolition such as relocation and renovation, as well as the impact loss of the structure would have on the city’s heritage. The listing also authorizes city commissions to delay demolitions in an effort to save structures.