223 Jane Pl

District: Mid-City - Partial Control

Owner: Jane Place Neighborhood Sustainability Initiative Inc.

Rating: Contributing (Altered)

Applicant: Louisiana Demolition Inc.

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: Although a contributing rated building in age, the current iteration of the building is a highly altered version of what it once was. The building is comprised of two distinct sections. The front façade facing Jane Place is a more formal, two-story rectilinear building with regularly spaced openings. This portion of the building was constructed ca. 1900 and operated as a furniture warehouse. At some point between 1909-1923, a three story warehouse building was connected at the rear, enlarging the existing building. 223 Jane Place is situated in the middle of municipal square 606 and runs perpendicular to the surrounding residential buildings. Due to unsympathetic alterations and the current condition, the building does not contribute to the tout ensemble of the area.

• The alternatives to demolition that have been explored by the applicant: None are known at this time.

• The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District: Currently, 223 Jane Place is a deteriorating building with several of unsympathetic alterations. At some point in the building's history, corrugated metal panels were installed over the existing wood weatherboard siding. In addition, windows were either removed and not replaced or replaced with inappropriate windows. The current roof is compromised and areas of metal siding that have been removed or come detached have exposed deteriorated and missing wood weatherboards. Overall, the building has suffered from neglect and any material that might have added to the special character or aesthetic interest is no longer present.

• The difficulty or impossibility of reproducing such a building or structure because of its design, texture, material or detail: Based on the size of the building's footprint and minimal exterior architectural elements, it would likely not be more expensive or difficult to reproduce the building today rather than maintaining it in its current form. It is not readily apparent what percentage of original material may be salvaged during a renovation. Using equivalent materials in contemporary construction may be costly, but the overall form and detailing is relatively simple and could be replicated.

• The condition of the building or structure: An exterior and interior visual inspection of the building was conducted by HDLC Inspector, Alex Nassar on August 12, 2022. The Demolition Inspection Report (see full document below) noted that the building appeared to be in very poor structural condition.

The report concluded that, "Overall, the building is in very poor condition and shows signs of neglect and a compromised building envelope. There is some evidence of wood destroying insects and a significant amount of water intrusion damage. Renovation of the building would be costly, possibly dangerous and it is likely beyond repair."

An interior inspection of the second and third floors was not completed as the building did not seem structurally competent to occupy.

Staff Recommendations:

Due to the severely neglected state of the building and unsympathetic alterations in the past, the building has not only lost any meaningful character defining features, but is also hazardous to the neighboring buildings. The compromised roof structure and water intrusion have created unsafe structural conditions. Staff has no objection to the demolition of the building. Because the building is supported by several heavy timber framing members, Staff suggests that any salvageable material be collected for reuse.