600 Murat St.

District: Mid City - Partial Control

Owner: Brandon Trones

HDLC Staff: Jesse Stephenson

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Ovella Enterprises, LLC

Permit #: 25-06378-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 600 N Murat to have been completed from 1920-1930, within the period of significance of the Mid City historic district. The raised basement building retains it's altered massing, siting, wood weatherboards, stucco at the front porch, wood windows and craftsman detailing.

• 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: A new construction of this style would not be cost prohibitive but it would be highly unlikely that the detailing, massing, and siting would be replicated.

• The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District: The raised basement residential building continues to contribute to the tout-ensemble of the mixed use, one and two story neighborhood.

• The condition of the building or structure: An exterior and interior inspection was conducted by an HDLC Inspector on March 18, 2025. The building is a stick framed building that sits on masonry walls that rest on grade. Where the roof can be seen, it is covered in asphalt shingles. A large portion of the roof was covered by tarps suggesting building envelope failure.

The exterior of the building was covered in wood weatherboards that were intact. Architectural details such as the 6/2 wood windows, exposed rafter tails and stucco at the front porch were also still present. The exterior opening's framing and exterior walls appeared plumb and level. The masonry chain wall also appeared to be intact. Gutters were present but were only being serviced by 2 downspouts servicing the entirety of the building.

The interior of the building is currently not habitable and has been poorly maintained. The first floor, or basement, had been stripped of finish materials on the partition showing that the framing members have very little damage from water or wood destroying insects. The exterior walls were plaster on metal lathe that showed deterioration but did not appear to be structurally compromised. The main beam supporting the upper floor seemed competent and supporting the upper load. The slab on grade showed no signs of settling or significant cracking.

The second floor of the building exhibited extensive termite damage to the finish materials such as trim, flooring, window/door frames, ceiling and partition walls. At least 75% of the framing and flooring would need to be completely removed and is not salvageable. The overall interior was dry and did not exhibit mold however damaged ceiling plaster and the exterior tarp would indicate the building is not sufficiently water tight. The floor joists were not visible but it can reasonably be assumed they are compromised based on the condition of the wood flooring.

Staff Recommendations: 

The exterior condition of the building is in fair to good condition ,however, the interior is in poor condition. For the aforementioned reasons, Staff leaves the demolition to grade at the discretion of the Commission. 

• Staff Recommendation: Discretion of the Commission