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Portland City Council on Wednesday tentatively approved a permit for the demolition of the Kiernan Building, also known as the former home of the Dirty Duck Tavern.

A plan is in place to replace the building in the historic Chinatown District with a new three- or four-story facility for the Blanchet House, which provides services to the homeless.

Next week, the demolition permit will come before City Council again before final approval is given.

At the council hearing, preservationists expressed concern that approving the demolition of the Kiernan Building would open the door for smaller historic commercial structures in the area to be demolished.

“This building is part of an already fragile district,” landmarks commissioner Art DeMuro said. “There is so much active planning going on in that area that is designed for more demolition that I fear testimony given today will be used for the next building.”

Despite a report compiled by Bureau of Development Services staff that advised against approving the demolition, all city commissioners, except Amanda Fritz, voted ‘yes.’ The consensus was that the services provided by a new facility for the Blanchet House outweighed the significance of the building, which is in disrepair and has no major ties to Chinese culture.