2328 Annunciation St.

District: Irish Channel - Full Control

Owner: Galilee Housing Initiative & Community Dev Corporation

HDLC Staff: Wendy Cargile

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Code Enforcement, Debbie Champagne 

Permit #: 24-25013-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

• The importance of the building or structure to the tout ensemble of the area:  Sanborn map research indicates the building was constructed between 1883 and 1896. The building as it exists today with the camelback first appears on the 1896 Sanborn map. The house maintains most of its architectural detailing including decorative brackets, wood windows and doors, decorative door and window surrounds, wood siding, drop lap siding, and quoins. 

• The alternatives to demolition that have been explored by the applicant: None have been submitted, though Code Enforcement can take buildings like this to sheriff's sale rather than demolition.

• The difficulty or impossibility of reproducing such a building or structure because of its design, texture, material or detail: While the massing and footprint of the house would not be difficult to recreate it is highly unlikely that any new building would have the quality of materials or details of the historic building.

• The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District:  The house maintains most of its historic architectural features and has a sister house two doors down.

• The condition of the building or structure: An exterior inspection was conducted on August 30, however, the HDLC inspector was not able to get access to the interior for a more thorough inspection. From the exterior, there was heavy vegetation growth at the roof and the shingles appeared to be deteriorated but there were no visible holes or sagging in the roof that would suggest the roof structure was failing. Missing weatherboards were noted in several locations and there is likely some termite damage and rot in the wall framing. Missing downspouts were also noted. The building showed no signs of listing that would suggest a severely compromised foundation. A more detailed inspection of the property would reveal more about the costs of rehabilitating the structure, but at present there is no reason to believe that the building is beyond repair. 

Recommendations: 

The building as it exists today with the camelback first appears on the 1896 Sanborn map, within the period of significance for the district. The house also maintains most of its architectural detailing including decorative brackets, wood windows and doors, decorative door and window surrounds, wood siding, drop lap siding, and quoins. An exterior inspection revealed the house to be in fair condition with some signs of deterioration, but no evidence of a compromised structure. The HDLC inspector was not able to get access to the interior for a more thorough inspection. A more detailed inspection of the property would reveal more about the costs of rehabilitating the structure, but at present there is no reason to believe that the building is beyond repair. As such, Staff recommends denial of the application for demolition.

• Staff Recommendation: Denial