705-707 Austerlitz St.

District: Uptown - Partial Control

Owner: Clifford Henrotin

HDLC Staff: Jesse Stephenson

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Michael Moore

Permit #: 25-16728-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 building at 705 Austerlitz was constructed from 1920-30 however it does not show up on Sanborn maps until 1951. The building is a modest modified Craftsman double. The building retains it's massing, exposed rafter tails, wood windows at the side elevations and wood weatherboards. 

• 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: It would not be impossible to replicate 705 Austerlitz but it would be highly unlikely that anything that replaces the building would have it's massing and remaining architectural features.

• The condition of the building or structure: An exterior and interior inspection was conducted by HDLC Staff on June 20, 2025. The appeared to be in good structural condition. The stick frame building sits a top masonry piers with a solid chain wall at the front façade. The roof consists of asphalt shingle with exposed rafter tails. 

The exterior o the building is clad in wood and fiber cement weatherboards that appeared to be in good condition. The altered front façade had plate glass windows and the side elevations retained the 2 over 2 Craftsman wood windows. Overall the exterior envelope appeared to be in good condition with no visible signs of wood destroying insects.  Where needed gutters and downspout were in tact and the building appeared to be able to appropriately shed water. The front masonry stoop appears to have separated from the main structure but was never intentionally connected.

The building is currently not occupied but appeared to have been more recently.  The interior layout is heavily modified but historic millwork case be seen throughout. The vaulted ceilings allowed for visibility of some of the roof members and did not show signs of wood destroying insects or water intrusion.

Staff Recommendations: 

The overall repairs for 705 Austerlitz appear to be cosmetic and/or preferential and would not be cost prohibitive. Staff believes this building is an excellent candidate for rehabilitation. For the aforementioned reasons Staff recommends denial.

• Recommendation: Denial