4623 Annunciation St.

District: Uptown - Partial Control

Owner: 4623 Annunciation LLC

HDLC Staff: Jesse Stephenson

Rating: Contributing 

Applicant: Keith Marrero

Permit #: 24-28369-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 alternatives to demolition that have been explored by the applicant: New construction of a 2000 SQFT single-family building.

• The difficulty or impossibility of reproducing such a building or structure because of its design, texture, material or detail: The replication of the building would not be difficult or cost prohibitive but would be highly unlikely. Safe it's roof form the building has lost most of it's character defining architectural features. 

• The condition of the building or structure: An inspection performed on August 12, found the building to be in poor condition. The building is constructed of barge board and covered with wood and aluminum siding. The roof consists of asphalt shingles. The primary façade has lost its character defining openings and architectural detailing. The building was covered in extensive vegetation at the time of the inspection. The sills of the building and building openings showed a large amount of deterioration with some building sills resting on the ground. The chain walls showed much deterioration and mortar loss.

The interior spaces were relatively dry. The floors were dramatically unlevel with as much as a 4 inch differential from the exterior wall to the center demising wall. The sub floor was very soft with some joists showing signs of complete failure. Both chimneys were severely out of plumb and the footings were forcing the floor and joists upward.

Recommendations:

FEMA research indicates that the single shotgun at 4623 Annunciation was constructed from 1885-1895 and first shows up on the 1896 Fire Insurance maps. The replication of the building would not be difficult or cost prohibitive but would be highly unlikely. However, the building has lost most of its character defining details and suffers from significant foundation damage. For the aforementioned reasons, Staff has no objection to the demolition.

• Staff Recommendation:  No objection