1829 Leonidas St.

District: Carrollton - Partial Control

Owner: St Paul African Methodist Episcopal Chu RCH

HDLC Staff: Jesse Stephenson

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Zach Smith Design & Consulting, LLc

Permit # 23-19377-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 research dates the erection of 1829 Leonidas at 1920. However two marble placards cite two different dates. The first placard dates the building at 1910 which would be consistent with the dedication of the building rather that the actual construction as the building that first shows up on the 1909 Sanborn. The second placard shows a 1921 date which would be consistent with the non-estimated FEMA survey research. The current building retained the same building footprint as the 1909 building. The current building is one of 3 religious buildings that occupied a one and a half block in the early 20th century. It's massing is consistent with religious structures but is quite modest in comparison to other religious buildings within the New Orleans metro area. The building suffered significant damage from Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and has sat vacant since the congregation moved to Amite City, Louisiana.

• The alternatives to demolition that have been explored by the applicant: None

• The difficulty or impossibility of reproducing such a building or structure because of its design, texture, material or detail: The modest religious building is comprised of a stucco covered masonry structure that is covered by a wood framed asphalt shingle roof. The building sits at grade level with a finished floor height above grade. There are no current decorative exterior architectural elements, nor is there evidence of any that previously existed. Replication of the building elements does not appear to be exceptionally difficult with respect to masonry and stick frame construction.

• The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District:  Corner plots in urban environments serve as activation points and anchors through massing, services, and the social engagement they provide to the residents. This religious building clearly served it's purpose prior to it's demise in 2005 but no longer does in a contemporary setting.

• The condition of the building or structure: HDLC completed a demolition inspection on July 26, 2023. The exterior building is comprised of a masonry building coated in stucco. The masonry walls are in fair condition but covered in vegetation in some areas. The base of the masonry walls showed deterioration as evidenced from vegetation growing through the wall. The wood framed structure has Hardie weatherboards at the front gable and wood weatherboards at the rear of the building. The wood framed roof has several points of failure with exposed sheathing and visible holes with failed gutters and downspouts.

The interior of the building has been thoroughly compromised by water intrusion, wood destroying insects and mold from aforementioned water intrusion. Daylight was visibly seen through the roof structure and with birds and rodents present. While not in imminent danger of collapse the added weight of sodden framing member and collapsed roof sheathing could eventually cause the roof to collapse inward.

Staff Recommendations:

Extensive reframing of the wooden portions of the structure would be required. Such a rehabilitation effort would be costly and likely leave very little of the historic structure intact. The HDLC Guidelines typically discourage the demolition of existing structures. However, because of the current state of the building Staff has no objection to the request for demolition to grade.

• Recommendations: No objection.