539 Webster St.

District: Uptown - Partial Control

Owner: Guella K Dragon

HDLC Staff: Jesse Stephenson

Rating: Non-Contributing

Applicant: Melissa Quigley

Permit #: 24-28273-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”: Non-Contributing

• The importance of the building or structure to the tout ensemble of the area:  None

• The alternatives to demolition that have been explored by the applicant: Enlargement of neighboring parcel.

• The difficulty or impossibility of reproducing such a building or structure because of its design, texture, material or detail: None

• The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District:  None

Recommendations: 

FEMA survey research estimates 539 Webster Street was constructed circa 1970-80, outside of the period of significance. The slab on grade is a stick frame building clad in brick with a low pitched roof and horizontal windows. The building sits less proud of the other historic neighboring building and does not properly fit the blockface. The HDLC does not have jurisdiction over what goes back but does not typically condone the demolition of buildings in order to enlarge a side yard. However, the building is Non-Contributing and does not have the architectural resiliency that is needed in the city of New Orleans. For the aforementioned reasons, Staff has to objection to the demolition.

• Staff Recommendation:  No objection