4518 Annunciation St.

District: Uptown - Partial Control

Owner: Bernell W Green

HDLC Staff: Jesse Stephenson

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: R Maxwell

Permit #: 25-20575-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 - Altered

• The importance of the building or structure to the tout ensemble of the area:  FEMA survey research estimates the building at 4518 Annunciation was constructed from 1870-1880. The single shotgun retains it's massing and siting but little else.

• 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 reconstruction of the building would not be impossible but would be unlikely.

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

• The condition of the building or structure: An exterior and interior inspection was conducted by HDLC Staff on July 29, 2025. The single-family, single-family building is a wood framed building that sits a top masonry piers and a chain wall.  The roof structure appeared to be the original framing however the exterior walls had a peculiar post and beam condition. The roof was covered in asphalt shingles that appeared to be at the end of their life cycle. Vegetation was covering portions of the rear lean to additions.

The exterior of the building is partially covered in wood weatherboard with varying degrees of degradation. The building appeared to be level and plumb but appeared to have sub-standard framing as the finish floor sat proud of the primary façade.  Where studs were visible there was rot and deterioration at the sills. The bulk of the exterior shows significant signs of long term demolition by neglect with the rear of the building already exhibiting structural failure.

The interior of the building was accessible but not habitable. The exterior walls appeared to have been reframed with dimensional lumber and sheathed in plywood. The first 3 rooms appeared to be in fair condition while the rear of the building was in partial structural failure.

Staff Recommendations: 

Overall the building is in poor condition. The rebuilt/reframed section of the building is the only portion of the structure that is salvageable. Staff also believes this portion would not pass a framing inspection by the Department of Safety and Permits and would require drastic improvements. For the aforementioned reasons Staff recommends approval of the demolition to grade.

• Recommendation: Approve