2924 Louisiana Ave.

District: Uptown - Partial Control

Owner: Bradley Shenita Marie

HDLC Staff: Jesse Stephenson

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Caveman Demolition

Permit #: 24-36174-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 residential building at 2924 Louisiana Avenue was constructed from 1915-1925. The raised basement building is a wood framed building on a masonry foundation and footings. The primary façade retains it's craftsman detailing, tripartite windows, front door with side lights, and ganged gable window.

• The alternatives to demolition that have been explored by the applicant: Vacant lot for future development

• The difficulty or impossibility of reproducing such a building or structure because of its design, texture, material or detail: The building at 2924 Louisiana retains it's architectural detailing at the primary façade but has had many removed, altered or obscured at all other elevations. While the extant detailing may not be difficult to reproduce it would be highly unlikely. 

• The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District: The primary façade retains it's craftsman detailing, tripartite windows, front door with side lights, and ganged gable window. However, the rest of the building appears to have been heavily altered and does not retain original windows or siding. 

• The condition of the building or structure: HDLC Staff conducted an interior and exterior inspection on March 26, 2025. The asphalt shingle roof was deteriorated and in need of replacement. There were holes in the roof in the middle of the building allowing water to infiltrate the building envelope. The exterior was covered in wood weather boards and T1-11 that appeared to be in good condition but would need painting. The column wrap was missing a board and showed insufficient structural integrity. Vegetation was growing at the rear, suggesting full interior intrusion.

The interior of the building is not currently habitable. The ground floor has been gutted and is only visible from the exterior windows. The historic front portion of the building was in poor condition presumably from water intrusion as noted in the Pictometry photos. Many of the interior finish materials were damaged from water intrusion and would need to be replaced. No areas of the floor were soft but the area mostly impacted by water intrusion from the roof was not accessible do to debris and obstructions.

The historic portion of the building was in the poorest condition and compromised by the water intrusion. While the rear non-historic portions are in better condition, they lack historic architectural character, configuration or detailing. The logistics of repairing the historic portion of the building as well as mitigating the level of water damage could be completed, but would be highly unlikely. 

Staff Recommendations: 

For the aforementioned reasons, Staff has no objection of the demolition to grade.

• Staff Recommendation: No Objection