2339-2341 Laharpe St.

District: Esplanade Ridge - Partial Control

Owner: Carolyn Maire

HDLC Staff: Chad Spurlin

Rating:  Contributing 

Applicant: Alyssa Wernet

Permit #:  25-17395-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:  FEMA survey research estimates that 2339-41 Laharpe St. was constructed in 1915. The modest building is a Craftsman style building on a block of highly altered homes in the Esplanade Ridge historic district. The building retains its massing and original footprint.

• 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: Replication of the building may 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:  The building retains its Craftsman detailing with its lattice gables, tapered wood columns on brick piers, rafter tails, wood siding, wood windows, and multi-lite front doors with side lights. The detailing of the wood fascia at the gabled roof is intact, but in poor condition.

• The condition of the building or structure: A second visual inspection was performed on July 30, 2025. There was essentially no exploratory demolition past what areas of the building were previously open to see the structural frame of the building. No further evidence that the structure of the building is beyond rehabilitation. 

The initial interior and exterior inspection was performed on July 1, 2025. The building appears to be in very poor condition structurally and cosmetically. The building sits above grade on masonry piers and utilizes a standard wood framed flooring structural system. The building framing and roof structure are mostly square and plumb. Several areas show signs of water rot and wood destroying insect damage where the weatherboards are deteriorated. The asphalt shingle roof appears to be in poor condition and is not functionally intact. 

Most of the windows are improperly boarded over. Many of the windows are salvageable, likely in need of repair to some sashes, casings and/or sills. Further damage could be mitigated with proper boarding.

Staff Recommendations: 

2339-41 Laharpe St. was cited for Demolition by Neglect on August 28, 2023, for deteriorated weatherboards, roof shingles and fascia; as well as vegetation growing on the building. No action was taken to correct the conditions. On June 6, 2025, the applicant requested a full demolition to grade. 

Earliest accessible online records indicate the current owner possessed the property since 2008, potentially before. 

Without proper enclosure of the building envelope, considerably more damage to the building will occur. Further neglect could quickly create conditions for an Imminent Danger of Collapsing.

Due to the condition and contributing nature of the original front portion of the home, Staff does not believe that full demolition is appropriate. During the second inspection, there was no further evidence that the structure of the building is in need of full demolition to grade. However, the rear section of the building showed the highest level of structural degradation and Staff would accept a partial demolition of the structure.

• 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.