634 Bartholomew St.

District: Bywater - Full Control 

Owner: New Orleans Renovation Advisor LLC

HDLC Staff: Chase Klugh 

Rating: Non-Contributing 

Applicant: Zach Smith Design & Consulting, LLC

Permit #: 23-19346-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”: Non-contributing. 

• The importance of the building or structure to the tout ensemble of the area:  Situated at the intersection of Bartholomew and Royal Streets, 634 Bartholomew is a non-contributing vacant CMU commercial building. Constructed at some point after 1951, the building is not within the period of significance for the Bywater Historic District. In addition, the simplistic CMU style does not add to the tout ensemble of the surrounding area. 

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

• The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District:  The CMU commercial building at 634 Bartholomew Street does not possess any special characteristics or aesthetic interests that compliment the Bywater Historic District. 

• The difficulty or impossibility of reproducing such a building or structure because of its design, texture, material or detail: Based on the size of the building's footprint and minimal exterior architectural elements, it would likely not be more expensive or difficult to reproduce the building today rather than maintaining it in its current form. It is not readily apparent what percentage of original material may be salvaged during a renovation. Using equivalent materials in contemporary construction may be costly, but the overall form and detailing is relatively simple and could be replicated.

• The condition of the building or structure: Staff performed an exterior inspection of the building and determined the building to be in poor condition. Although the walls appear to be stable, the building is missing roofing in areas, and doors and windows have not been boarded for many years. As the building is currently abandoned and left open to weather, the building will only continue to deteriorate and become more hazardous with time. 

Staff Recommendations:

634 Bartholomew Street does not add to the aesthetic interest of the surrounding Bywater Historic District, and is a non-contributing building constructed outside the district's period of significance. At the June 1, 2022 NO Commission meeting, the Commission voted to approve demolition of the building with the proviso that redevelopment plans be submitted prior to demolition. The current applicant is petitioning the Commission to allow for demolition prior to the submission and review of future work at the site. Because the building is located on a corner lot and shares a municipal lot with an HDLC Landmark, Staff again has no objection to demolition provided that redevelopment plans are submitted prior to the issuance of a demolition permit. Any redevelopment plans will require the review and approval of the HDLC Architectural Review Committee and NO Commission. 

Recommendation: No objection with proviso that redevelopment plans be submitted.