7309 Freret St.

District: Uptown - Partial Control

Owner: 7309 Freret Street LLC

HDLC Staff: Jesse Stephenson

Rating: Non-Contributing

Applicant: Zach Smith Consulting

Permit #: 25-09107-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”: Non-Contributing

• The importance of the building or structure to the tout ensemble of the area:  None

• 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: N/A

• The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District:  None

• The condition of the building or structure: FEMA survey research estimates the construction of 7309 Freret to have been completed from 1960-1970 which is outside the period of significance for the Uptown Historic District.

The single-story, single-family building is clad in masonry and sits on grade. The building's windows are vinyl and aluminum. The asphalt shingle roof is trimmed out with terracotta ridge tiles.

Staff Recommendations: 

Due to the Non-Contributing status, unusual siting and the slab on grade condition with no architectural character defining features indicative of the Uptown historic district Staff recommends approval of the demolition to grade.

• Staff Recommendation: Approve