3300 Bienville Ave.

District: Mid-City - Partial Control

Owner: Galvers LLC

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Myles Martin

Description: Retention of demolition of more than 50% of the exterior wall structure and 50% of the roof structure at a Contributing rated, one-story, commercial building in deviation of the Certificate of Appropriateness.

HDLC Guidelines:

Section 12, Pages 23-24 of the Guidelines for New Construction, Additions and Demolition, state 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. As a result, the HDLC rarely considers the demolition of Significant or Contributing buildings or structures within a local Historic District or on a Landmark site to be an appropriate option.

Retention Items:

Demolition beyond the approved scope - Retention of demolition and fine between $1,000-$25,365.

Staff Recommendations:

Located on the corner of Bienville and North Rendon Streets in municipal square 420, 3300 Bienville Street is a Contributing building in the Mid-City Historic District. Constructed between 1909-1940, the double shotgun was converted to a single with corner entry at some point in its history.

At the April 2022 Commission meeting, the Commission approved roof demolition exceeding 50% for the construction of a camelback addition. The Commission agreed that the camelback should be located at least 24'0" back from the front wall of the building. Following the meeting, revised drawings were submitted and subsequently approved by HDLC Staff. The approved drawings (see below) showed the required 24'0" setback and proposed wall and roof demolition. The approved wall demolition was limited to the rear wall and selective demolition of openings at the left-side elevation. The approved drawings included the note that any demolition beyond the approved scope could be subject to costly delays and/or fines.

In early January 2023, a representative of the property self-reported that approximately 33'0" of the existing wall structure had been completely demolished at the side elevations. This demolition equals roughly 70% of the existing wall structure (excluding the front façade). Removing the rear addition demolition still brings the wall demolition of the side elevation walls to approximately 63%. A January 9, 2023 inspection revealed that the entire foundation of the building was also demolished and rebuilt.

The applicant has not provided details regarding the decision to demolish a majority of the existing wall structure and foundation. Staff recommends retention of the demolition and that a fine be levied against the property for demolition beyond the approved scope. The fine range is $1,000 - $25,365 based on the building's 2023 assessed value.

Case History:

HDLC CofA:

#22-05802 - Renovation (structural)
- Demolition of more than 50% of the roof structure approved by HDLC NO Commission at April 2022 meeting.
#23-01454 - Renovation (structural - retention)