7417 Burthe St.

District: Carrollton - Partial Control

Owner:  Leborne LLC

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Zach Smith Consulting & Design

HDLC 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: The home is Contributing-rated, and its design speaks of the transitional period of its construction--a mix of Classical Revival and Craftsman styles.

• The alternatives to demolition that have been explored by the applicant: None on record.  Applicant says that further interior demolition will reveal more about the building's condition and their scope; but a fair amount of interior demo has already occurred, revealing much of the framing for inspection by the HDLC Inspector, who advised the contractor on site that it would be most appropriate to sister the framing instead of demoing/reframing.  No definitive demolition plan has been proposed by the applicant, who has requested permission to demo exterior walls open-endedly, "as needed".

• The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District:  The home is Contributing-rated and its design speaks of the transitional period of its construction--a mix of Classical Revival and Craftsman styles.  Likewise, the four-plex arrangement is an example of working-class residential housing, which speaks to the history of the Carrollton area.  

• The condition of the building or structure: Fair 

Staff Recommendations:

This multi-family, balloon frame home was constructed between 1909 and 1951, according to Sanborn Maps, and it's date of construction was estimated by FEMA as being between 1920 and 1930.  The style is an example of a transitional period in architecture, displaying a mix of both Classical Revival and Craftsman styles.  The original façade has been altered, and the second-story porch has been enclosed, yet the building retains its massing and some historic elemental details, such as its chimneys and porch columns.  The HDLC Inspector confirmed that although there is some damage to the frame of the structure, typical of homes of this age, the home is not in imminent danger of collapse.   There is evidence of termite damage in the wall system, particularly at the wall plates.  Some substandard contemporary framing will need to be corrected to meet building code.  Some headers were undersized at window openings, and studs were missing around the chimneys.  After the HDLC Inspector reviewed the property with the contractor,  it was determined that the new vertical members could be sistered into existing framing in most cases, and significant portions of the existing framing would not need to be removed to render the wall system competent.  The floor system will likely require significant work--there are some low areas in the floor system where joists have rotted, or where foundation piers have settled dramatically.  There was also evidence of rot and termite damage in the sill. Visible joists appeared to be in good condition and could be sistered to render the floor system competent. This is typical for a pier and beam foundation of this age in New Orleans.

Upon conferring with the Inspector, it is of Staff's opinion that the degree of proposed demolition is not necessary to bring the home back to use.  As opposed to "reframing as required", the top plates and sill should be replaced, and new framing should be sistered.  This structure could be restored without nearing the HDLC's threshold for demolition.  

• Staff Recommendation: Denial of partial demolition, as proposed