518 Spain St.

District: Faubourg Marigny - Full Control

Owner: Robert M Hirt

HDLC Staff: Dennis Murphy

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Jonathan Drennan

Permit #: 26-08033-HDLC

Description: New construction of a 1,110 SF, one-story residential building replicating the massing, building type, and architectural details of the existing structure, previously approved for demolition to grade, with the historic front façade to be retained and incorporated into the new construction.

Case History:

03/19/26: New construction application submitted.
10/17/25: The Commission votes to approve the application for demolition to grade with the proviso that the Certificate of Appropriateness for demolition shall not be issued until redevelopment plans have been submitted, recommended for approval by the ARC and Commission, and the CofA for redevelopment is ready to be issued simultaneously.
09/24/25: Applicant notifies HDLC that structural conditions at the building are more severely deteriorated than initially known and that demolition of a majority of the structure may be necessary. Applicant notes that the intended redevelopment would retain the existing front façade and incorporate it into new construction that replicates the massing, type, and details of the existing building. Current owner submits new application for demolition.
06/18/25: Current owner submits new application to fully repair and renovate the building. CofA issued on 7/17/2025.
05/08/25: HDLC cites property for Demolition by Neglect (#25-05842-DBNNO) for conditions such as open, missing, or improperly boarded doors and windows, deteriorated masonry, weatherboards, roofing, and fascia, as well as missing gutters/downspouts and vegetation growth.
08/09/24: Current owner purchases property.
08/02/22: HDLC completes final inspection which is noted as failed due to work not being completed and due to new uncapped wood fencing.
08/27/20: Previous owner submits new application to make general repairs to the building such as weatherboard, trim, and window repair/replacement, and installation of new wood site fencing.
04/24/19: Previous owner submits application to make general repairs to the building such as weatherboard and trim repair/replacement. Application is withdrawn on 8/27/2020 and no exterior work appears to have been completed.