15-17 Cromwell Pl.

District: Uptown - Partial Control

Owner: Tecs Ventures LLC

HDLC Staff: Jesse Stephenson

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Timothy Semmes Favrot

Permit #: 25-15659-HDLC

Description: Demolition of a Contributing rated, three-story, multi-family residential building to grade.

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 15 Cromwell was constructed from 1920-1930. However, the 1896 Sanborn map has a building of a similar footprint facing what is now Calhoun. An overlay from Google maps was done on the 1896 Sanborn map and it would appear the building was rotated 90 degrees to face Cromwell Place and shifted to the rear of the parcel when the Spanish Revival style apartments were constructed. The 1896 building has a front bay and a side chamfer that align with the current building. The massing of 15 Cromwell is indicative of the Queen Anne Style with it's bay window and overall proportions. The building likely received it's current raised basement and stucco finish in the 1920s or 30s when and if it was in fact relocated. If the current building is the 1896 structure it would be the oldest remaining building on this city square.
The alternatives to demolition that have been explored by the applicant: None of note.
The difficulty or impossibility of reproducing such a building or structure because of its design, texture, material or detail: While it would not be difficult to replicate the exterior detailing it would be highly unlikely that any of the interior detailing that remains would be replicated.

The condition of the building or structure: An exterior and interior inspection was conducted by HDLC Staff on June 4, 2025. At the time of inspection the building appeared to be in fair condition. 15 Comwell Place is a raised basement multi-family building. The building is a stick framed building clad in stucco applied directly to lathe. The perimeter foundation wall is stick framed on a masonry chain wall. The roof consists of asphalt shingles that appeared to be in good condition where visible.

The exterior stucco showed signs of deterioration but was mostly intact with some delamination due causing water intrusion. The building appeared to plumb and level. The windows were in good condition and appeared to be functional and possibly original to the building. All exterior millwork appeared to be salvageable but may need repair. The overall exterior condition of the building would be consistent with a period of demolition by neglect rather than building system failures.

The ground floor, or basement, is in very poor condition and is only partially paved with concrete. The area with with a slab appeared to have been inhabited but is no longer a functioning dwelling unit. At the first level mold, wood rot and damage can be seen at the walls, posts and beams. The upper floor interior spaces are in good condition and retain many of what would appear to be it's original finishing materials. Some soft spots were noted at the floors where the exterior stucco had failed and caused water intrusion. The upper floors could very feasibly be refurbished to be put back in to commerce.

Staff Recommendations:

Staff believes the building at 15 Cromwell is an excellent candidate for rehabilitation as a multi-family building. The building presumably tells the story of the development of the Uptown historic district in the way that the housing needs shifted in the early 20th century necessitating less stately single-family homes and more multi-family buildings during the great depression. For the aforementioned reasons Staff recommends the denial of the demolition.