Polka dot house in Shandon neighborhood set to be torn down

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Soon after many years of back again and forth, the pink polka dot house in the historic Shandon neighborhood is established to be demolished. 

The Town of Columbia’s Style and Advancement Critique Fee (DDRC) gave a 1st spherical of approval to the tear down Thursday night.

The house owner has requested the city’s permission to demolish the house a few instances. Soon after getting denied for the next time in 2018, he painted pink polka dots all in excess of the exterior. 

Now, two a long time afterwards, the town has at last presented the ‘okay’.

“Whilst personnel finds that the residence has historic and architectural importance as a contributing developing of the Shandon community, based mostly on the systemic challenges furnished in the report and observation, the duplex would demand sizeable rebuilding from the roof to the foundation,” stated Rachel Walling, Senior Planner for the Commission. 

The staff to the Commission advisable furnishing acceptance for the demolition of 140-142 South Walker Road, due to the fact it really is further than restore. 

The tear down needs the city’s approval since the assets is in the Shandon neighborhood character location.

“I get what they are hoping to do, maintain historic Columbia,” said Lee Willm. “They just want to make positive issues aren’t finding torn down that do not need to be torn down.”

Willm, operator of Willm Construction, is shopping for the polka dot dwelling from the present operator now that they’re allowed to rebuild. 

The Fee stated that the dwelling is very weakened on the within and out from many years of vacancy. 

Repairing it would cost much more than $150,000.  

Following tear down, Willm plans to develop a new residence that will suit in with the fashion of the community and put it on the market place. 

Just before he gets commenced, the city will have to have to give the demolition a 2nd acceptance on November 12th.

Willm technically has a yr to acquire down the residence, but he claims it’ll be demolished this winter season.