6320 S Robertson St

District: Uptown - Partial Control

Owner: Robertson Holdings LLC

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Alyssa Wernet

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 existing building was likely constructed between 1915 and 1925. Although it doesn't appear until the 1951 Sanborn map, a New Orleans Item article confirms it was constructed no later than 1923, within the period of significance for the local historic district. The building appears to have retained its original scale, massing, siting, roof form and footprint to this day with the exception of an infilled front porch.

• 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 single-story Craftsman-style double-residential building appears to have retained some of its original character-defining architectural features such as exposed wood rafter tails, some 6-over-6 wood windows and wood building trim and weatherboard siding.

• 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 Alex Nassar performed an exterior visual inspection on July 1, 2022 and determined the building to be in very poor condition. At the exterior, the building is essentially a pile of debris under a very mature tree which has fallen directly on top. The small exterior and enclosed porches at the front elevation appear to be the only salvageable elements of the building. The remaining walls and roof have been destroyed and/or displaced by the tree and would need to be removed prior to rebuilding the site.

Staff Recommendations:

The existing Contributing rated building appears to have retained its original scale, massing, siting, roof form and footprint to this day, including some of its original Craftsman-style architectural features and details. However, it was severely damaged during Hurricane Ida when a large mature tree fell directly on the center of the building and substantially damaged its roof structure and exterior walls. While the building was determined not to be in Imminent Danger of Collapse, it does pose a potential safety hazard and its rehabilitation would require a majority of the historic building fabric to be removed and replaced with new materials. Based on this and the very poor condition of the damaged building today, Staff has no objection to the demolition request with the proviso that all salvageable historic building components be carefully removed and salvaged for donation or reuse.

• Staff Recommendation: No objection (with the proviso that all salvageable historic building components be carefully removed and salvaged for donation or reuse)