2825-2827 Calhoun St.

District: Uptown - Partial Control

Owner: Posey R Jr Bowers

HDLC Staff: Jesse Stephenson

Rating: Non-Contributing

Applicant: Alyssa Wernet

Permit #: 25-05474-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:  FEMA survey research estimates the construction of 2825 Calhoun to have been completed from 1925-1935. The lumber framed building sit on top of a masonry chain wall. The likely Craftsman style building underwent a transformation which added "Alpine Like" detailing to the elevations. These alterations stripped the building of its Contributing status.

• The alternatives to demolition that have been explored by the applicant: Future redevelopment of site.

• The difficulty or impossibility of reproducing such a building or structure because of its design, texture, material or detail: It would not be difficult to reproduce the massing and detailing but would be highly unlikely.

• The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District: Due to the highly altered state of the building it is no longer considered contributing to the neighborhood.

• The condition of the building or structure: A second inspection was performed by an HDLC Inspector on April 1, 2025 per the Commission's request. The inspector was able to get access to the interior of the building. The first floor basement was in good condition and appeared to be in mid construction of a renovation. When the inspector began to ascend the stairs there was a strong odor of mold and urine. The second floor of the building was completely filled with clothes, construction material scraps and other miscellaneous items. The second floor was impassable and was covered in rodent feces and urine. Because of the shear amount of the hoard and for health and safety reasons, the inspection was concluded.

Staff Recommendations: 

The interior condition of the property is extremely unfortunate. It's an uncommon scenario for HDLC Staff to evaluate. While the overall structure is in good condition rehabilitation of the building would require a clean out after which hazmat remediation would be required. The amount of interior demolition required to remove the urine and feces sodden materials would most likely leave very little of the historic fabric of the building. Due to the extreme hoarding condition in the interior and the Non-Contributing status, Staff has no objection to the demolition.

• Staff Recommendation: No Objection