Demolition began Wednesday on the former Allen Press buildings at 11th and Massachusetts streets in downtown Lawrence.
Former owner Rand Allen sold the properties at 1000 New Hampshire St., 1041 New Hampshire St. and 1040 Massachusetts St. to local developer Tony Krsnich in June.
The vacant lot on the east side of the 1000 block of New Hampshire Street will soon become the New Hampshire Street Lofts. The complex will be marketed to people ages 55 and up with low to moderate incomes. Plans for the development shared with local government call for 48 rent-controlled apartments, including eight live-work units on the ground floor.
Jason Dalton, a principal architect with H2B Architects, submitted a letter to the Historic Resources Commission and received permission in July to demolish the buildings because of their poor and unsafe condition. Dalton’s letter stated that if the building at 1041 New Hampshire St. could be demolished, the site would assist in the construction of the lofts across the street.
The midcentury A & P grocery store that closed in the late 1970’s at 1040 Massachusetts St. has been cleared out. At present, this building will be saved because plans have not been solidified.
Plans for the prominent site at 11th and Massachusetts streets are still in the works, but the site’s development will be delicate. Adjacent historic buildings include the Watkins Museum of History, Douglas County Courthouse, the former English Lutheran Church and the Stubbs Building, a contributing building to the Lawrence Downtown Historic District.
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August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
