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The vacant building at 23 N. Water Street. 📸 Credit: City of Batavia memo
A vacant utilitarian building on North Water Street could soon come down. Batavia United Methodist Church is seeking city approval to demolish the structure, which the Historic Preservation Commission has deemed non-contributing to the historic district.
Here’s what to know:
The church has owned the property at 23 N. Water Street since 2018; its last tenant, a water filter company, closed in 2024.
Commissioners agreed the building’s 1940s age, condition, and unusual design make it difficult to reuse.
After demolition, the site will be restored to grass with barriers to prevent parking, though the church’s master plan calls for possible parking use in the future.
The Committee of the Whole will review the matter on Tuesday (9/23) before it goes to the City Council for final action.
The demolition request has support from the Historic Preservation Commission, which cleared the way for aldermen to make the final decision.
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