July 13, 2017 By Jason Cohen
A house that was built in the 1870s that Astoria historians have been fighting to preserve took another step closer to the wrecking ball yesterday.
A demolition permit was issued by the Department of Buildings yesterday to local developer George Hrisikopoulos giving him the all clear to raze the 31-07 31st Avenue house.
Historians tried to save the house that was once the home of the noted 19th Century musician Ferdinand Quentin Dulcken– when they were informed in March that Hrisikopoulos had filed plans to construct a six-story, 10-unit building on the site, with space for an eating and drinking establishment.
Historians sought to landmark the house but their application was denied by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. The LPC, in rendering its decision, noted that there have been too many alterations over the years to the house.
Bob Singleton, executive director of the Greater Astoria Historical Society, was among those who tried to save the house.
Singleton said today that he is disappointed the house will be destroyed. He said his only request at this point is that Hrisikopoulos allow a professional photographer to take pictures of the interior of the house for historical records.
Hrisikopoulos could not be reached for comment.
