2931 Saint Ann St.

District: Esplanade Ridge - Partial Control

Owner: Gary A Reimonenq

HDLC Staff: Chad Spurlin

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Guiseppe Dipasquale

Permit #:  25-22509-HLDC

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:  This building is a single-family, wood-frame shotgun on a brick pier foundation.  Sanborns confirm that the building was constructed between 1896 and 1908. Sometime after 1950, the original a side porch was enclosed and a two-story addition was added to the rear.

• The alternatives to demolition that have been explored by the applicant: New construction of a single family building, under a FEMA grant for hurricane disaster recovery through Restore Louisiana.

• The difficulty or impossibility of reproducing such a building or structure because of its design, texture, material or detail: Reconstruction of the building's craftsmanship and original decorative details would be difficult and unlikely, and potentially cost prohibitive.  Any new construction built in its place, especially within a partial-control district, is unlikely to have similar massing and character or to contribute in the same way to the historic architectural language of the streetscape. 

• The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District:  The Queen Anne style shotgun retains many of its original details, such as half cove shake, ridge tiles, decorative brackets, full height windows with decorative cornices, port hole gable window, and decorative pane-over-panel door.

• The condition of the building or structure: A visual interior and exterior inspection was conducted by the HDLC inspector on July 28, 2025, and the building was found to be in poor condition.

The exterior inspection showed that the asphalt shingle roof is in fair condition. The missing gutters create issues with water management. Large sections of missing weatherboards on the side elevations allow for the studs to be exposed to water intrusion and wood destroying insects.  The windows on the side elevations are not original, and their trim is deteriorating as they have not been painted for many years. The front façade retains many of its original architectural features and the drop-lap siding appears to be in good condition.

The interior is not currently habitable and is exposed to the outside environment. The floor framing, wall framing, and ceiling joists show signs of damage from wood destroying insects and is severely deteriorated . The newer wall framing on the left side of the building appears to be in good condition, despite prolonged exposure to the elements. The framing on the right side of the building was modified to enclose the original side-hall gallery.

Staff Recommendations: Due to the condition and contributing nature of the original front portion of the home, Staff does not believe that full demolition is appropriate. Although the bump-out portion in the center of the structure is original to the building, Staff feels that its poor condition warrants demolition.

• Recommendation: Denial of demolition to grade but approval of demolition of rear portion of structure, provided that demolition begins at least three original rooms back from the front wall of the building.