2825-2827 Calhoun St.

District: Uptown - Partial Control

Owner: Posey R Jr Bowers

HDLC Staff: Jesse Stephenson

Rating: Non-Contributing

Applicant: Alyssa Wernet

Permit #: 25-05474-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”: Non-Contributing

• The importance of the building or structure to the tout ensemble of the area:  

• The alternatives to demolition that have been explored by the applicant: Future redevelopment of site.

• 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 massing and detailing but would be highly unlikely.

• The condition of the building or structure: 

FEMA survey research estimates the construction of 2825 Calhoun to have been completed from 1925-1935. The lumber framed building sit on top of a masonry chain wall. The likely Craftsman style building underwent a transformation which added "Alpine Like" detailing to the elevations. These alterations stripped the building of any of it's Contributing status.

A visual inspection was performed on March 7, 2025. The building appeared to be in good condition. An interior inspection could not be performed as the building has a severe hoarding and bio hazard problem contributing to the building's degradation. Due to these issues it is highly unlikely that any interior finishes are salvageable. Additionally, it is unclear what the severity of the structural damage is  due to the hoarding condition.

Staff Recommendations: 

The interior condition of the property is extremely unfortunate. It's an uncommon scenario for HDLC Staff to evaluate. Due to the extreme hoarding condition in the interior and the Non-Contributing status, Staff has no objection to the demolition.

• Staff Recommendation: No Objection