1648 Joseph St.

District: Uptown - Partial Control

Owner: Lee R Eagan

HDLC Staff: Chad Spurlin

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Zach Smith Consulting & Design

Permit #: 26-10234-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:  According to FEMA research, the accessory structure was constructed concurrently with the primary building, between 1890-1900. However, because the building is minimally visible (only along Danneel Street), it contributes little to the broader streetscape.

• The alternatives to demolition that have been explored by the applicant: None.

• The difficulty or impossibility of reproducing such a building or structure because of its design, texture, material or detail: The two story building is clad in wood siding that is well-maintained and retains a high level of character because of its age. Moreover, the wood double-hung windows and louvered shutters are key contributors to its overall character. However, a significant portion of its ground-floor exterior walls have been removed, diminishing its historic integrity.

• The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District:  The building adds minimal interest to the Uptown historic district, as it is difficult to discern from the public right-of-way and requires deliberate effort to perceive.

• The condition of the building or structure: An exterior and interior visual inspection of the accessory structure took place on April 15, 2026. The building is not readily visible from the surrounding area, with only a portion of its side elevation visible through an an adjacent apartment alley.

The detached accessory appeared to be in overall very good condition; however, a portion has been modified to create an outdoor area.  The removal of the original exterior wall structure significantly diminishes its historic integrity.  The building is a typical wood-frame structure on a slab-on-grade foundation. The building is clad in wood weatherboards in good condition, with most areas only  requiring painting. The structure retains architectural elements, including six-over-six double-hung wood windows, wood shutters, wood window and door trim.

Staff Recommendations: 

Because it is minimally visible from the public streetscape and has been heavily modified from its original form, HDLC Staff recommends approval of the demolition of the accessory structure to grade.

• Recommendation: Approve