801 Napoleon Ave.

District: Uptown - Partial Control

Owner: Patricia W Bonds

HDLC Staff: Jesse Stephenson

Rating: Non-Contributing

Applicant: Michael Fabre

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”: Non-Contributing

• The importance of the building or structure to the tout ensemble of the area:  None

• The alternatives to demolition that have been explored by the applicant: New construction of a single family building.

• The difficulty or impossibility of reproducing such a building or structure because of its design, texture, material or detail: The replication of the building would not be cost prohibitive but would be highly unlikely.

• 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: FEMA survey research estimates the building at 801 Napoleon was constructed from 1955-1965. A exterior visual inspection was conducted by HDLC Staff on August 29, 2025. The stick frame building is clad in a machined brick veneer on top of a slab on grade and appeared to be in good condition. The windows are aluminum frames and appear to be original to the building. The roof was comprised of asphalt shingles with terracotta ridge tiles. At the front of the building a carport sits proud of the main building massing which is not indicative of the rhythm of the Uptown Historic district or the Napoleon Avenue corridor.

Staff Recommendations: 

Due to the irregular siting, massing and overall character of the building Staff does not believe this belongs in the Uptown historic district. Staff recommends approval of the demolition to grade.

• Recommendation: Approve