The Structural Review Board has ordered the demolition of 14 vacant, blighted buildings including a century-old carriage house on Edwards Street in the downtown area.

In a 3-0 vote on Tuesday, the board backed the demolition at 28 Edwards St., as sought by Springfield, MA Code Enforcement Commissioner Steven T. Desilets.

"We feel the building is dangerous to life and limb," Desilets said yesterday.

"It's a fire hazard."

The structural survey board consists of the fire commissioner, city engineer and an independent licensed contractor.

The owner, Webster A. Collins, of Milton, wanted to demolish the 109-year-old carriage house the past two years, but was blocked by the city's Historical Commission. In April 2005, the commission denied Collins' request for a "certificate of hardship" needed to allow demolition, wanting him to renovate the structure instead.

Collins had filed suit against the Historical Commission, but now can proceed with demolition, said his lawyer, Peter P. Fenton, of Springfield.

Historical Commission Chairman Robert S. McCarroll said yesterday the Collins family has owned the property for more than 50 years and allowed the carriage house to deteriorate through neglect.

"It's too bad the city didn't take any action before the building got in the condition it did," McCarroll said.

By being deemed a public safety hazard, the demolition order supersedes the Historical Commission's vote, McCarroll said.

Fire Commissioner Gary G. Cassanelli said the board delayed ordering the demolition since last May to see if some plan could emerge to save the building.

"The overriding concern here is public safety and preventing anyone from being injured in a building that could potentially collapse or be involved in a serious fire," Cassanelli said. "It's too bad. We would love to see a structure like this preserved."

Desilets ordered Collins in January 2005 to either repair the carriage house or demolish it. Desilets said yesterday he believes the building has been beyond repair for years.