3325 Orleans Ave.

District: Esplanade Ridge - Partial Control

Owner: Herman G Abry & Michelle B Abry

HDLC Staff: Chad Spurlin

Rating: Non-Contributing

Applicant: Abry Brothers, Inc.

Permit #: 25-18256-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”:  Non-Contributing

• The importance of the building or structure to the tout ensemble of the area: Located on the edge of the partial control Esplanade Ridge local historic district, the approximately 1,600 SF building was not built within the period of significance (1830-1930) and does not contribute to the historical or architectural character of the district. Near the intersection of Orleans Ave and Moss Street along Bayou St John,  today the center-of-the-block building is adjacent to an open shed building with a simple brick façade and a cross-street fueling station. Sanborn maps indicate that the area has been a lumber yard since 1908 and Abry Bro's contractor's yard since at least 1940.  The office building appears on the 1950 Sanborn map, although not in its current form.

• 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 height commercial building appears to be constructed of substandard materials, clad in painted plywood and vinyl siding. The street facing façade also has an aluminum storefront system with dark tinted glazing. The building could be easily replicated, but would not be of adequate materiality for new construction in the district.

• The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District:  None

• The condition of the building or structure: As a Non-Contributing rated building , an interior inspection by the HDLC was not performed. The exterior of building appears in relatively poor condition.  The vinyl siding and plywood overhang above are failing.  The aluminum storefront is in fair condition, although the door glazing is boarded-up/missing and the dark glazing is not recommended by the HDLC for new construction.

Staff Recommendations: 

HDLC staff believes this building is a good candidate for demolition.

• Recommendation: Approve