3230 Ursulines Ave.

District: Esplanade Ridge - Partial Control

Owner: Owen Riley Investments LLC

HDLC Staff: Jesse Stephenson

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Brian Knighten

Permit #: 25-05412-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 building at 3230 Ursulines to have been constructed circa 1900.

• 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: Replication would not be difficult but the replication of the massing and the siting of the building is unlikely.

• The condition of the building or structure: An exterior and interior inspection was completed by HDLC Staff on April 1, 2025. The single-story, single-family building is wood framed and rests on masonry piers. The building was clad with wood weatherboards and stucco with an asphalt shingle roof and was sited significantly far back from the street. The front portion comprised of the first two rooms appeared to be in fair to good condition while the rear portion appeared to be heavily altered and in very poor condition. The masonry piers were in poor condition and would need rehabilitation.

• The interior of the building's front two rooms were in good condition and were water tight. However, the rear portion of the building showed signs of buckling floors and soft structural members. Cat's claw was seen growing through the rear of the building. The rear of the building likely needs to be rebuilt.

Staff Recommendations: 

The only parts of the house that are feasible to remain are the front two rooms. Staff discussed recommending demolition at the rear and the allowance of the moving of the remaining building forward but ultimately concluded that solution would effectively demolish the front porch as it would not be able to be moved. Staff recommends approval of the demolition to grade.

• Staff Recommendation: Approve