420 S Galvez St.

District: Mid-City - Partial Control

Owner: Health Foundation New Orleans LSU

HDLC Staff: Chase Klugh

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Webre Consulting

Description: Demolition of a Contributing rated, raised, two-story, two-family residential building to grade.

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: Constructed in ca. 1925, 420 South Galvez Street is a raised, frame, double shotgun residential building in the Bungalow Craftsman style. As seen in the Sanborn map below, the surrounding neighborhood was once comprised predominantly of residential buildings. Now a corridor for an expanding medical campus, the Craftsman-stylized building is the only remaining residential building on the block. As late as 2019, this block of South Galvez Street included four (4) two-family residences and a tire shop; with an additional residential building across Gravier Street. Currently, 420 South Galvez is the lone remaining building. Although the integrity and greater tout ensemble of the area have been destroyed, 420 S. Galvez is important in its connection to the district's past. As such, the building is the only remaining vestige of what the area once was.
The alternatives to demolition that have been explored by the applicant: None are known at this time. The demolition of this property was heard by the HDLC NO Commission in May 2021 and was denied and subsequently upheld by the City Council.
The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District: The Bungalow Craftsman detailing of 420 S. Galvez is typical of its date of construction. Although the building is currently vacant with boarded windows and doors, as late as September 2019, the building was occupied with original windows and door side lites and transoms. Now vacant, the building still retains several original architectural details that add to its overall special character and aesthetic interest. Characteristic of the turn-of-the-century style, the building includes its chimney, exposed rafter tails, window and door configuration, and decorative front-facing gable with window. As the only remaining residential building within the block, these features not only add to the special character of the building but also highlight it as an example of the style.

The difficulty or impossibility of reproducing such a building or structure because of its design, texture, material or detail: Based on the size of the building's footprint and minimal exterior architectural elements, it would likely not be more expensive or difficult to reproduce the building today rather than maintaining it in its current form. It is not readily apparent what percentage of original material may be salvaged during a renovation. Using equivalent materials in contemporary construction may be costly, but the overall form and detailing is relatively simple and could be replicated.
The condition of the building or structure: An exterior and interior inspection was performed at the building on October 26, 2022, by HDLC Inspector Alex Nassar. The inspection revealed that the residence is in good structural condition. "Overall, the building is in very good condition and shows signs of neglect and vacancy. The upper two units of the building are habitable and would require minor cosmetic repairs to bring into commerce." The full demolition inspection report can be viewed below.

Staff Recommendations:

Currently, 420 South Galvez Street is the only remaining building in a once densely populated residential block. Within the past six (6) years, this portion of the Mid-City Historic District has slowly been eroded due to the demolition of residential buildings; at a time when affordable housing is at a premium city-wide. Based on the request to demolish the building in May 2021, it is apparent no attempts have been made to improve the building. Based on the interior and exterior inspection, minor cosmetic repairs and cleaning would bring the building back into commerce as a two-family residence. Staff, again, recommends denial of demolition.