2430-2432 Delachaise St.

District: Uptown - Partial Control

Owner: Alvin Batiste SR & Edith C Batiste

HDLC Staff: Jesse Stephenson

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Demolition Phase LLC

Permit #: 25-16092-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:  The building at 2430 Delachaise retains it's massing, siting and Craftsman style weather boards. 

• 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 difficult to replicate the remaining millwork features and massing but due to the condition of the super structure is would be extremely cost prohibitive.

• The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District:  

• The condition of the building or structure: FEMA survey research estimates that 2430 Delachaise was constructed from 1880-1890. However, a building with the current massing and siting does not appear until 1951 on the Fire Insurance Maps. The narrow reveal weatherboards at the primary façade would suggest the building may have been constructed in the 1920-1930s.

An exterior and interior inspection was conducted by HDLC Staff on July 10, 2025. The building appeared to be in poor condition. The wood frame structure sits on masonry piers. The roof is covered with asphalt shingles and where not covered in vegetation is in very poor condition.

The exterior of the building is clad in wood weatherboards with some missing and others covered in vegetation. The framing at the roof did not appear to be level or square at the corner of the building. The structural failure my have been exacerbated or caused by the neighboring building that previously collapsed in to the building. Where the weatherboards are missing wood destroying insect and water damage is visible. The exterior windows are uneven sashed, surface mounted vinyl windows. Overall the exterior has significant demolition by neglect conditions which have contributed and will contribute to the decline in the building's stability. 

The interior was accessible but was not currently inhabited or had been in some time. Mold, wood rot and insect damage was noted on the floors, walls, and ceilings.  In some areas the roofing envelope was compromised and sunlight could be seen coming in. Portions of the flooring were soft and uneven suggesting failure of the structural members below. The finished flooring materials were warped and buckling also indicating water intrusion. With the compromised building envelope there was evidence of rodents and other critters having residing in the building.

Staff Recommendations: 

The building at 2430 Delachaise was in very poor condition. Other than the massing and deteriorated weatherboards this building lacks the exterior architectural details exhibited by other buildings of this style and time period. Due to the aforementioned reasons Staff recommends approval of the demolition to grade.

• Recommendation: Approve