1570 N Roman St.

District: Esplanade Ridge - Partial Control

Owner: Russell Durosseau

HDLC Staff: Jesse Stephenson

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Guiseppe Dipasquale

Permit #: 25-00695 - HDLC

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:  1570 N Roman is a circa mid 19th century creole cottage (altered) that sits amid a fairly intact block of shotgun single and doubles in Esplanade Ridge.

• The alternatives to demolition that have been explored by the applicant: New Construction of a one-story, single-family building.

• The difficulty or impossibility of reproducing such a building or structure because of its design, texture, material or detail: The difficulty of replicating the exterior detail may not be cost prohibitive, the massing will unlikely be replicated which contributes to the tout ensemble.

• The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District: 1570 N Roman is a circa mid 19th century creole cottage (altered) that sits amid a fairly intact block of shotgun single and doubles in Esplanade Ridge.

• The condition of the building or structure: 

FEMA survey research indicates the altered creole cottage at 1570 N Roman was constructed from 1830-1930. The building is a pier and beam structure with a wood frame. The exterior is clad in aluminum siding that covers wood weatherboards. The building's fenestration is comprised of wood windows. 

The asphalt roof was installed in 2021. The aluminum siding was in mostly good condition but where missing, weatherboards showed signs of evidence of rot and termite damage. The foundation was in very poor condition with many of the joists being mended inappropriately. The central girder is currently resting on dry stacked masonry units or posts direct on the ground. The masonry piers had lost mortar and would need repointing but were still carrying loads.

The interior was mostly dry but did show evidence of mold growth. The interior walls were covered in wood that is directly nailed to exterior studs. The aforementioned foundation issues made for uneven floor conditions.

Staff Recommendations: 

The building's wood superstructure appeared weather tight and in good condition with possible sporadic wood destroying insect damage. The foundation would need shoring and rehabilitation but is not uncommon for a house of this age and construction type. Rehabilitation would not be unfeasible. Staff recommends denial of the demolition.

• Staff Recommendation: Denial