901 Race St.

District: Lower Garden District - Full Control

Owner: Shirley A Quest

HDLC Staff: Jesse Stephenson

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Guiseppe Dipasquale

Permit #: 25-04450-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 two-story building at 901 Race to have been constructed around 1845. The building has had it's wrap around awning or gallery removed but maintains it's original massing and footprint indicative of the row houses that once proliferated this part of the Lower Garden 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: While it would not be difficult to replicate the building a new construction would most likely not have the same massing and footprint.

• The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District: The building continues to contribute to the block of one and two story residential buildings in in its scale, massing, footprint and detailing.

• The condition of the building or structure: An interior and exterior inspection of 901 Race was conducted on March 19, 2025 by HDLC Staff. The two-story building appeared to be in fair condition and was currently occupied.

The exterior of the building was clad in various types of materials which included wood weatherboards, asbestos tiles and cementitious siding which appeared to be mostly intact. The stick and barge board framed building rests on or at grade with signs of framing deterioration at the front right corner of the building. The exterior retains it's wood windows and trim that are still plumb and level. The roof was covered with asphalt shingles that appeared to be at the end of their life cycle and have severe damage at the front slope of the roof. Gutters and downspouts were present at locations that did not have sufficient overhangs to properly shed water.

The interior of the building has suffered significant water damage mainly at the second floor do to the compromised roofing system. Where visible, the studs appeared to be in fair to good condition. The front portion of the building is significantly older than the rear portions of the building and did not have plumbing; the rear additions house the bathroom, kitchen and laundry.

Staff Recommendations: 

The building is situated on a sub-standard sized lot and maintains its 19th century massing and some architectural details. Staff does not believe the building is beyond restoration based on the conditions found. A new construction on this site would be an incredibly difficult task and possibly cost prohibitive and could leave the site indefinitely vacant. For the aforementioned reasons, Staff recommends denial of the demolition to grade.

• Staff Recommendation: Denial