2619 Calhoun St

District: Uptown - Partial Control

Owner: Bin Hang

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Edward Fleming

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 indicates the original building was likely constructed between 1920 and 1930. While it doesn't appear on a Sanborn map until 1951, a New Orleans States article confirms it was constructed no later than 1927, within the period of significance for the local historic district. The building also appears to have retained its original scale, style, massing, roof form and footprint to this day.

• The alternatives to relocation that have been explored by the applicant: None are known.

• The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District: The one-story Craftsman style building appears to have retained some of its original character-defining architectural features such as exposed wood rafter tails, wood weatherboards and fascia, wood gable vent and 6-over-2 wood windows. The front elevation appears to have been altered later when the building was converted from a double to a single, including removal of a front entry door and likely replacement of the original porch columns.

• 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: HDLC Inspector Daniel Syal performed an interior and exterior visual inspection on August 18, 2022 and determined the building to be in very poor condition. A copy of the full demolition inspection report is included below for reference.

Staff Recommendations:

While the Contributing rated building appears to have retained much of its original scale, style, massing and other character defining exterior features and details, the current building condition was determined to be very poor. This condition can primarily be attributed to a substantial amount of deferred maintenance and neglect from the previous owner, as well as due to undersized framing members in the roof, a lack of wall sheathing and sub-flooring throughout, various collapsing floor joists and several large openings in the roof which are allowing water intrusion and more rapid deterioration of the overall structure. Based on the very poor condition of the building today, Staff has no objection to the demolition request with the proviso that all existing windows are to be carefully removed and salvaged for donation or reuse.

• Staff Recommendation: No Objection (with proviso that all existing windows are salvaged for donation or reuse)