729 Ninth St.

District: Irish Channel - Full Control

Owner: Zebrafish LLC

HDLC Staff: Wendy Cargile

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Goldfish Construction

Description: Retention of demolition of more than 50% of the wall structure of a Contributing rated, one-story, single-family residential building in deviation of the Certificate of Appropriateness.

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.

HDLC Guidelines:

Section 12, Pages 23-24 of the Guidelines for New Construction, Additions and Demolition

Retention Items:

Demolition of Walls in Excess: Approve with moderate fine
- Fine Range: $0-$45,360

Staff Recommendations:

FEMA survey research estimates that the building was constructed between 1885-1895 and first appears on the 1887 Sanborn Map, within the period of significance for the district. The buildings original footprint and massing have not been altered except for two small shed additions at the rear and at the side entrance.

A Certificate of Appropriateness was issued on March 20, 2023 for the renovation and construction of a new rear addition at the historic residential building. On May 8, 2023 a Stop Work order was posted by the HDLC for the restructuring of the exterior walls in excess of what was approved. The approved drawings, showed 43% demolition of the existing exterior wall framing for the new addition. However, the inspection photos showed that the demolition exceeded that scope of work with an additional 45% of the exterior walls reframed, bringing the total exterior wall demolition to 88%. As the approved drawings stated, that any additional removal or replacement of exterior wall framing was subject to HDLC review, and no contact by the applicant or documentation of the condition of the structure was submitted, Staff recommends approval of the retention with a moderate fine.

Current Photos:

Previously Existing Photos:

Approved Drawings:

729 Ninth_HDLC Approved_3.20.23.pdf

Sanborn Map:

Sanborn Fire Insurance Map ca. 1887

Assessor's Office Information:

Street View:

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