GAINESVILLE - The future of the historic Moon-Apperson House will be up for discussion again at a meeting this week of the Gainesville Historic Preservation Commission (GHPC).
The Quinlan Visual Arts Center now owns the house, which is located at 431 Candler Street next to the Arts Center.
The Arts Center is requesting a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for a Major Work Project involving the removal of the structure, which is located in the Green Street Local Historic District.
According to the completed Phase One Historic Structural Survey, the principal building (commonly referred to as the Moon-Apperson House) is a Craftsman-style side-gabled bungalow that was constructed around 1920.
In August 2010, a similar request from the applicant was reviewed by the GHPC, which signed off on the request the following conditions:
1. The structure will be relocated within the City of Gainesville.
2. The renovation will maintain the historic character of the building.
3. The relocation must be completed by August 9, 2011.
4. Demolition of the structure is not approved.
According to city officials, since that action, the Arts Center has attempted to find a new suitable site for the relocation of the historic building.
A report on a recent inspection of the house noted the following issues, according to the city:
1. Significant accumulation of active mold growth on wood framing in crawl space. No confirmation of toxicity or potential health impacts.
2. Active water penetration into the basement and crawlspace areas, and there appears to be no adequate ventilation under the home.
3. Basement concrete block rear foundation wall has buckled and contains a horizontal mortar joint crack. It was noted that this wall appears to be structurally unstable.
4. Possible past termite or other wood destroying organism infestations due to age of building and wood-to-earth contact in basement and crawlspace.
5. Floors are unlevel and in some cases had noticeable sags in flooring (or creep). The report explains that creep is a natural process.
6. Plaster ceilings are cracked and displaced at numerous locations.
7. Mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems appear to be updated.
8. There has been minor displacement in the roof surface.
9. The rear deck is generally well-constructed but (a) platform is not thru-bolted to the main structure of the building, and (b) wood are subject to premature deterioration because they are in direct contact with soil.
City staff visited the subject property and toured the inside earlier this year in response to a previous request for demolition that was withdrawn. It was the Building Plans Review Manager/Building Inspector s observation that the house, particularly the left-rear portion, was in a deteriorating state. Signs of additional wear are present with the roofing being compromised on the rear.
Rain is now entering the structure and has caused significant damage to the structure ceiling and support framing. He further expressed concern about the structural integrity of the house if relocated.
The Building Inspector concluded that the structure is in a state of disrepair and needs attention to eliminate further structural damage.
Also at the meeting, the GHPC will again consider a request involving plans to remove six trees also located in the city's historic district. They are in the Ridgewood Avenue/Northside Drive area and, according to the applicant, RPC Partners LP, are in danger of damaging a house and duplex apartment.
Thursday
June 12th, 2025
7:14AM
