2909 Maurepas St.

District: Esplanade Ridge - Partial Control

Owner: Wagner Richard W Jr

HDLC Staff: Jesse Stephenson

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Michael Cajski

Permit #: 25-03880-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 construction of 2909 Maurepas street to have been completed in 1880. The single shotgun retains it's massing, footprint, chimneys and decorative architectural elements such as brackets, cornices and wood windows.

• 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: The replication of this modest single shotgun building would not be cost prohibitive but it would be highly unlikely that any of the architectural element would be recreated. 

• The condition of the building or structure: 

An interior and exterior inspection was conducted by HDLC Staff on October 23, 2025. The wood framed building sits on top of masonry piers. The primary façade retains it's wood weatherboards, windows and decorative architectural elements. The side elevations were clad in wood weatherboards and retained their wood windows. The roofing material was asphalt shingle that appeared to be in poor to fair condition.

The exterior walls showed signs of sever deflection with the building leaning to one side. The door and window openings were not level or plumb. The wood window sashes were in late stage deterioration. The masonry chain walls would require repointing and in some location reconstruction. Cat's claw covered the roof and fascia of the building with other vegetation actively impacting the structural integrity of the building.

The interior of the building had new gypsum board at above the picture rail molding and on the ceilings throughout suggesting a previous water intrusion issues. Periodic wood destroying insect damage was observed at the flooring and where studs were visible. The floor system was failing throughout the building as the flooring had deflections and soft spots. Sunlight was visible through a few locations that indicated that the connection between the walls and ceiling is no longer extant.

Staff Recommendations: 

Overall, the building appears to be possibly salvageable from the exterior.  The few architectural elements that remain on the façade could be salvaged.  However, upon entering the building, it becomes evident that the structural integrity of the foundation and floor system has been extensively compromised. The building is not currently habitable. Restructuring the building’s foundation, restructuring and rebuilding the exterior walls and retaining the roof structure would likely be prohibitively expensive.  The building is in very poor structural condition from the façade to the rear addition and from the ceiling to the foundation.  This building is a good candidate for demolition.  The historic integrity of the building is beyond rehabilitation. 

• Staff Recommendation: Approve