710 Third St.

District: Irish Channel - Full Control

Owner: Shelia M Combs

HDLC Staff: Wendy Cargile

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Shelia M Combs

Permit #: 26-08663-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: FEMA survey research estimates the double shotgun was constructed between 1880-1890 and first appears on the 1887 Sanborn map. The building maintains very little of its historic architectural integrity beyond the footprint and massing. It currently has vinyl/aluminum doors and windows and a brick veneer cladding. 

• The alternatives to demolition that have been explored by the applicant: The applicant originally applied for a renovation with the building permit being issued on March 9, 2026. However, once the interior finishes were removed and the condition of the structure revealed, the applicant submitted a demolition application.

• The difficulty or impossibility of reproducing such a building or structure because of its design, texture, material or detail: It would not be costly or difficult to recreate the footprint and massing of the building, though unlikely with its small footprint. A recreation would also not have the quality of materials used originally.

• The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District: The double-shotgun continues to contribute to the neighborhood in its scale, massing and footprint. Though its current cladding detracts from the more appropriately retained historic buildings.

• The condition of the building or structure: An interior and exterior visual inspection of the structure took place on March 26, 2026, and was found to be in very poor condition. 

At the exterior, the asphalt shingle roof appeared to be in fair condition; however, the roof framing exhibited significant deflection. The front stoops have settled and shifted inward. 

At the interior, which had been recently gutted, the building was found to have little to no foundation or piers. There were only stacks of unsecured bricks supporting the floor structure.  Very few sills were present, and those that remain were in a significantly deteriorated condition. The floor joists exhibited insect damage, and some showed deterioration likely due to ground exposure and many were resting directly on the ground. Some of the interior wall studs rested on a section of tongue-and-groove flooring. There was nearly a total absence of sill plates throughout.  Bargeboard was present, however, the wood wall framing was substandard and structurally insufficient. The exterior brick veneer was visible from the interior. Similarly, the ceiling exhibited substandard framing, consisting of a mix of older ceiling joists and rafters with newer wood sheathing installed on top. The most intact portion of the building appears to be the brick masonry chimney, which is in good condition.

Staff Recommendations: 

It is always unfortunate to lose a building of this age, but a renovation would require the installation of a new foundation and complete reconstruction of the framing system and would basically result in a new construction. As such, Staff has no objection to the demolition, with the proviso that the CofA for demolition will not be issued until redevelopment plans have been approved.

• Recommendation: No objection