The city’s Planning Department has conditionally approved the development design for 216 Ericksen Ave.

The approval paves the way for the historic home located on the site to be demolished or moved. It would then be replaced with a two-story, 2,080-square-foot office space, with underground parking and an additional 500-square-foot residential unit.

Planning Director Kathy Cook, who signed off on the project, said she understood historic preservationists’ concerns regarding the home, which recently made a list of endangered historic properties.

“I was very well aware of the community concern, and so in that sense I understand people are worried about changing the features that contribute to this being a special place,” she said.

However, Cook said the city does not have a code which mandates the preservation of historic structures.

“I felt very confident of the legal analysis which was conducted,” Cook said. “The dilemma is, does the city want a mandatory preservation ordinance? Because at this time it is voluntary.”

The city’s Historic Preservation Committee is looking at making stronger incentives for historic preservation, but its plans will not likely affect the 216 Ericksen site.

The city’s determination, issued last week, includes 40 conditions on the 216 Ericksen site plan, including: reporting any historical findings during construction and excavation; and issuing a public notice offering the 106-year-old house up for relocation.

Islander Bruce Brunton, owner of the property, said he had interested parties looking at procuring the house.

“I agreed to do that and I have several people interested in taking the building. But they are looking for a place to move it,” he said

The city’s determination is open to appeal until July 15. Brunton said he is delaying any plans until the appeal period ends.

“I have to get through a 14-day appeal period,” he said. “Right now I am sitting tight, hunkering down and seeing if someone appeals before I move ahead.”