1514 General Ogden St.

District: Carrollton - Partial Control

Owner: LEM Investments, LLC

HDLC Staff: Krista J. Guzzo

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: AT Nola Properties, LLC

Description: Retention of demolition of 100% of exterior wall structure for reframing at a Contributing rated, one-story, single-family residential building.

HDLC Guidelines:

Section 12, Pages 23-24 of the Guidelines for New Construction, Additions and Demolition, state 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. As a result, the HDLC rarely considers the demolition of Significant or Contributing buildings or structures within a local Historic District or on a Landmark site to be an appropriate option.

Retention Items:

Retention of demolition of over 50% of the wall structure: Grant with moderate fine.
- Fine Range: $0-$25,000

Staff Recommendations:

This home, originally a single shotgun, is estimated by FEMA to have been constructed between 1900 and 1910, and it first appears on the 1909 Sanborn Maps. In partial-control districts such as Carrollton, the HDLC does not have jurisdiction over new additions; however, HDLC guidelines do not permit more than 50% exterior wall reframing without Commission review and approval, in an attempt to save historic building fabric while allowing for modern development and additions. Few homes retain their historic bargeboard construction, and it is a significant loss to have removed this home's bargeboard for reframing. The applicant states that it was removed due to termite infestation and rot, but was unable to document the condition of the bargeboard.

Staff recommends approval of the retention of the removed barge board, as there is no way to reverse its removal. Staff recommends a moderate fine, as the applicant earnestly worked with Staff to supply information about the work that had occurred.

Case History:

5/9/23: Applicant informed staff that all bargeboard had been removed for restructuring. Applicant cited termite damage and rot as the reason for removal, but was not able to document the condition of the wood.
5/8/23: HDLC Staff reviews permit application for work that had already occurred and reaches out to applicant to understand what work had been performed.
5/8/23: After the addition is constructed, Safety and Permits alerts HDLC staff that work that has been performed exceeds the disclosed scope and does, in fact, require HDLC review. HDLC sub-permit is created.
7/11/22: Permit issued for renovation work and new addition. Disclosed work is determined not to require HDLC review or CofA.