Wichita City Council members voted unanimously to delay action on a demolition permit for an historic duplex property on the city’s north side.

The city was looking to demolish a duplex at 1416-1418 North Park Place, but the Wichita Historic Preservation Board had voted to deny a demolition permit, based on its status as an historic building.   The building is listed on the Wichita Register of Historic Places, the Register of Historic Kansas Places and the National Register of Historic Places.

Makayla Welch, president of the Historic Midtown Citizens Association, said the duplex is part of the Fairview-Park Place Historic Neighborhood and the group has felt the responsibility to save it.   She said efforts are being made to secure state tax credits to clean the interior and work is being done to clean up the exterior of the property.

Council member Maggie Ballard moved to delay action until October, to allow stakeholders to improve the property and resolve ownership issues.  She said she expects to get regular updates over the next six months on the progress being made.