1514 N Derbigny St.

District: Esplanade Ridge - Full Control

Owner: Thomas Himel

HDLC Staff: Jesse Stephenson

Rating:  Contributing

Applicant: Star Recovery Services  LLC

Permit #: 25-05888-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 construction of the one-story, single-family creole shotgun to have been constructed in 1870. The building retains it's original massing, side overhang, and footprint. The building is one of 6 buildings on the 1500 block retains the original vernacular architecture associated with the Treme historic district.

• The alternatives to demolition that have been explored by the applicant: New construction.

• The difficulty or impossibility of reproducing such a building or structure because of its design, texture, material or detail: The replication of the building would not be difficult or costly but it would be unlikely that any new construction would not have the same massing or character.

• The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District:  The building retains it's original massing, chimney, front openings, distinct side overhang with stucco covering the original wood weatherboards.

• The condition of the building or structure: An interior and exterior inspection was conducted by an HDLC Inspector on March 28, 2025. The partially occupied one-story residential building is a single shotgun. The building is framed with bargeboard and sits on masonry piers. The building appeared to be in fair condition.

The exterior of the building was clad in stucco that covers original wood weatherboards. The front two rooms appeared to be in fair condition. The rear portion, which appears to be a later infill based on Fire Insurance Maps, was heavily altered and was in very poor condition. The roof is asbestos shingles that appeared to be at the end of their life cycle with holes visible in some locations. At the front of the property, the walls, windows and door frames appeared to be level and plumb. The masonry piers showed deterioration and would need remediation. The building would also require shoring but is not uncommon for a building of this age.

The interior of the building is missing many of the finish materials and appeared to be partially occupied. The front portion had exposed studs that appeared to be in fair condition with little damage from wood destroying insects. There were no parts in the front portion where the floor felt soft or compromised. After the front two rooms, the condition of the building sharply declined and was open to the elements. The infill and additions did not seem salvageable.

Staff Recommendations: 

The front two rooms of the original structure maintain the original foot print and massing and appear to be salvageable while the rear portion of the building is not. For the aforementioned reasons, Staff recommends approval of partial demolition of the building starting roughly two rooms back from the front wall of the building.

• Staff Recommendation: Approve partial demolition.