2917 Tchoupitoulas St.

District: Irish Channel - Full Control

Owner: Semreh Club Inc

HDLC Staff: Wendy Cargile

Rating: Non-Contributing

Applicant: Steven J Finegan Architects

Permit #: 25-14240-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:  None

• The alternatives to demolition that have been explored by the applicant: New construction, per ARC recommendations.

• The difficulty or impossibility of reproducing such a building or structure because of its design, texture, material or detail: N/A

• The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District:  None

• The condition of the building or structure: FEMA survey research estimates the construction of the building to have been completed from 1960-1970 which is outside the period of significance for the Irish Channel Historic District.

The single-story, warehouse building is clad in r-panel, brick veneer and exposed CMU and sits on grade. The building has no windows and several metal doors. The roof is standing seam metal.

Staff Recommendations: 

Due to the Non-Contributing status with no architectural character defining features, Staff recommend approval of the demolition to grade. The ARC recommended conceptual approval of the new construction with the details to be worked out at the staff level at the May 20, 2025 meeting.  

• Staff Recommendation: Approve demolition and conceptual approval of the new  construction.