AUGUSTA — Demolition is being delayed for three buildings on Perham Street that were targeted to be torn down to make way for a parking lot at the new courthouse.

Last week, the city’s Historic Preservation Commission found that the Perham Street buildings were “significant” as defined by the city ordinance and delayed action on the demolition applications for all three:

• 13 Perham St., owned by James Osier and was erected in 1850.

• 15 Perham St., owned by Daniel Ayotte and erected in 1834.

• 19 Perham St., owned by Benoit and Barbara Thibaudeau, and erected in 1900.

The city had acquired options to buy the three houses and also applied to demolish them.

Once the properties are razed or removed, plans call for the site to be used for parking for a new court facility currently under construction on the next block. The city continues to negotiate for a fourth property along the same road, a six-unit apartment building at 32 Court St., owned by Gregory Roy. That building was erected in 1900.

“During the demolition delay period of up to 90 days from application, the owner of a significant building shall give due consideration to all possible alternatives to demolition, including preservation, restoration rehabilitation, relocation or detailed recordation of the affected building,” according to the city ordinance.

The building owners also are expected to allow a member of the Historic Preservation Commission access to the interior and exterior of the building to document it.

The 90-day delay period for these buildings began May 22, the date the demolition applications were filed, according to Matt Nazar, the city’s development director. Nazar also said the owners of two of the buildings attended the public hearings at the commission meeting, as did a city representative and Philip A. Johnston, project manager for the new Augusta court facility.

Johnston said Monday that the 90-day demolition delay will not affect the construction schedule.

“That’s not a significant delay,” he said on Monday.

The 120,000-square-foot courthouse project, being erected by Consigli Construction Co. Inc., of Portland, won approval from the city’s Planning Board in July 2012.

The new, $52 million court building was recently named the Capital Judicial Center and will include the functions of Kennebec County superior and district courts as well as the Administrative Office of the Courts.

It will be connected by an enclosed bridge to the historic Kennebec County Courthouse next door.

Betty Adams — 621-5631

[email protected]

Twitter: @betadams