1120 Jena St.

District: Uptown - Partial Control

Owner: George David Johnson

HDLC Staff: Chad Spurlin

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Brian Gille

Permit #: 26-09644-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 that the single shotgun building at 1120 Jena St was constructed from 1885-95 but does not appear on the Sanborn Map until 1909. Sanborn research indicates that the front porch was modified some time before 1951 and appears non-historic. The non-historic  rear addition and garage side addition was constructed before 1985; both have been demolished after this application was initially presented to the Commision. 

• The alternatives to demolition that have been explored by the applicant: New Side additions to the single shotgun building have been explored. 

• The difficulty or impossibility of reproducing such a building or structure because of its design, texture, material or detail: It would not be cost prohibitive to recreate a building of this size or massing but replication of this building typology today would be unlikely. Its sister single shotgun at 1116 Jena St was demolished between 1975-85. 

• The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District:  Shotguns are the most prevalent building type in the Uptown Historic District. The majority of the 1100 block of Jena Street is one-story  double shotguns slightly setback from the street. However, its immediate neighors are a Non-Contributing rated residence and a historic Creole Cottage. 

• The condition of the building or structure: The initial HDLC inspection, conducted on November 19, 2025,  found the vacant single story building appearing to be in good structural condition. The wood framed building sits atop masonry piers with an worn, but intact, asbestos shingle roof. The building was clad in vinyl siding, presumably encapsulating wood weatherboards. The building is plumb and level and did not have outward signs of wood destroying insects. Despite the later additions, the building retained a typical shotgun interior layout. 

Given the owner's concerns about the quality of the existing construction, exploratory demolition was recommended to better understand concealed conditions.  However, selective demolition was not pursued at that time.

On February 25, 2026, an application was submitted to demolish the non-historic rear addition. The proposed partial demolition was supported by the HDLC and complied with applicable guidelines. However, on March 17, it was discovered that the non-historic side addition (garage) was also demolished. This additional work exceeded allowable limits for demolition without approval from the Commission. Retention of the excessive demolition has been requested by the applicant, and Staff recommends approval as its removal does not adversely impact the streetscape's character, and in fact, may enhance it.

At the request of the applicant, the HDLC conducted a supplementary inspection on March 25. Exploratory demolition had occurred to expose the structural frame of the building. Removal of the vinyl sliding revealed an asphalt siding with a faux brick pattern, likely installed in the 1940-50s, and wood plank sheathing. Due to the deterioration of the boards, the sheathing may be insufficient to resist water intrusion. The original wall framing is irregularly spaced, deviating from typical structural standards. Newer framing members have been added to reinforce the original substandard framing. At the roof structure, the rafters are spaced approximately 48" on center, exceeding the 24" spacing frequently seen in older New Orleans homes.

Staff Recommendations: 

The original wood roof and wall framing appears to substandard, and subsequent modifications have not improved its condition. Both the original construction and later alterations reflect practices below industry standards. The presence of substandard framing , combined with the complete loss of the historic cladding and front porch features, suggests that rehabilitation is not a suitable approach.

• Recommendation: 

  • Retention of demolition: Approve without a fine

  • Demolition to grade: Approve