The Historic Preservation Commission voted to approve the demolition of two structures in Roswell's historic district last week - but hold off on the wrecking ball just yet, say city officials.

The adjacent buildings at 11 Maple Street and 647 Atlanta Street have been vacant for well over a decade and their deteriorating condition makes renovation impossible, according to the letter of intent filed with the city prior to the meeting.

Property attorney Wendy Butler wrote:

Recognizing that vacant deteriorating properties can adversely impact not only the single properties but also a community, the owner engaged city officials, property owners and experts in order to best understand all options to re-active the properties.

The properties are on parcels of land that are located directly within part of the Historic Gateway plan designed by world-renowned planner Andres Duany earlier this year.

The demolition was approved with the following conditions:

1. That the applicant work to relocate the property to another site;
2. That no demolition permit may be issued by the city of Roswell/SAFEBuilt until a Certificate of Appropriateness is issued by the Historic Preservation Commission for new construction;
3. That the building be carefully dismantled and historic materials saved off site for use in other projects within the city of Roswell or surrounding areas.

New Urban Roswell Blogger Mike Hadden urged residents to support the demolition prior to the HPC's vote, writing:

This building has been empty for 10+ years. The one behind it on Maple St has been vacant much longer. At some point, it's time to admit that this building has realized all of it's potential and it's time to move on.

But in what direction the properties will "move on" to has yet to be revealed.

Earlier this week, in response to questions regarding the future of the two sites, Manager of Real Estate Operations for Orkin & Associates, LLC Josh Barnes told Roswell Patch that a colleague at the development firm would soon be in touch.

Check back with Roswell Patch for updates.