1060 Magazine St

District: Warehouse District

Owner: Dupuy Holdings

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Trapolin Peer Architects

HDLC Design Guidelines:

Section 12, Pages 23-24 of the Guidelines for New Construction, Additions and Demolition states that the demolition of all or portions of historic resources within a local Historic District or Landmark site are considered drastic actions, since they alter the character of the area. Once historic resources or buildings that contribute to the heritage of the community are destroyed, it is generally impossible to reproduce their design, texture, materials, details and their special character and interest in the neighborhood. When reviewing demolition applications at properties located within a Historic District or at a Landmark site, the HDLC uses the following criteria in its evaluations:

• The historic or architectural significance of the building or structure as designated by its “rating”: Contributing.

• The importance of the building or structure to the tout ensemble of the area: Sanborn map and newspaper archive research indicate the building was constructed around 1908 for the New Orleans Foundry and Iron Company. This original structure included the two-story portion facing Magazine Street, which originally had a sheet-iron clad facade and was open to a rear yard at the ground floor. Although that business was short lived, it served similar purposes until the mid-1920s as the H.O. Stace Iron Works and later the Service Machine Works, with residential units on the second floor. Reflecting the change in technologies and the increasing popularity of the automobile, the space was taken over by Charles Fush & Company in 1928, which performed auto, truck, and wagon manufacturing, painting and repairs. The two large gabled warehouses behind the original two-story portion were added later, after 1951. This large warehouse space was well-suited to industrial and automotive uses, housing the Phil Meraux Tire Service in the 1970s and Simplex Grey Marine and Darr Engine Service beginning in the 1980s, and remains in use to this day.

• The alternatives to demolition that have been explored by the applicant: The applicant explored the possibility of retaining the existing two-story portion of the building but determined it was not feasible with the requirements of the new program. The existing facade would need to be heavily reconstructed and modified.

• The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District: The building itself is relatively simple and lacks visual interest as the original facade has been removed and replaced with a simple stucco facade with minimal detailing. 6/6 wood windows still exist at the upper floor and appear to be older than the openings at the ground floor. Although the building is unembellished, it's original scale and massing are still apparent and indicative of the building's historic foundry and automotive uses. Additionally, the structure contributes to the Warehouse District's original character and history as a neighborhood comprised of both larger industrial buildings and similar smaller, more modest warehouse structures.

• The difficulty or impossibility of reproducing such a building or structure because of its design, texture, material or detail: It would not be difficult to reproduce the building due to both its lack of decorative detailing and original building materials. Although the brick party walls and interior structure remain and could not be reproduced using today's construction methods, the front facade and roof covering materials are not original and could easily be replicated. In addition, the two rear warehouses that form most of the building's square footage are more modern additions that utilize contemporary materials and construction techniques.

• The condition of the building or structure: HDLC inspector Kelley Campbell performed an exterior and interior inspection on February 22nd and found the building to be in fair condition. The masonry party walls were in good condition with typical amounts of deterioration, including deterioration of mortar joints. The front wall was in poor condition and improperly constructed, with large gaps around some window frames leading to water intrusion. The interior heavy timber structure was in good condition, although one column was missing. There is evidence of fire damage in the roof framing, although it still appears to be structurally-stable. It is likely the decking was replaced. The two rear warehouses have not been well-maintained due to their industrial use and character, but are built with sturdy materials and remain in good condition despite minor roof leaks.

Staff Recommendations:

Staff believes these modest warehouse structures, although lacking in decorative detailing, are an important resource in maintaining this district's original character and history as an industrial area in which these types of small-scale buildings are common. Although hesitant to remove such a building in an area that is increasingly seeing larger new construction that changes both the scale and aesthetic of the neighborhood, in this particular case, the building lacks historic integrity. Much of the original building fabric on the exterior has been removed or replaced, particularly the original front facade, of which staff has found no photographic record. Given the building's overall condition and lack of remaining original materials, staff does not oppose the demolition of the structure; however, approval of demolition should be contingent on the approval of an acceptable design by the Architectural Review Committee. Additionally, any historic fabric remaining should be salvaged and donated so that it may be reused elsewhere.