3530 Carondelet St., 1641-1645 Foucher St.

District: Uptown - Partial Control

Owner: Jesus C Cynthia B Hermosillo 

HDLC Staff: Jesse Stephenson

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Alexander Adamick 

Permit #: 23-23299-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 importance of the building or structure to the tout ensemble of the area:  Constructed ca. 1890-1893, 3530 Carondelet is one and a half story, raised basement, Eastlake residence. When constructed the building had wrap around porch facing Foucher Street that remained until at least 1950. The porch was later partially encapsulated to create a side entrance presumably when the building was raised to it's current elevation. Despite the building having been raised it's massing still fits contextually with the surrounding historic buildings.

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

• The condition of the building or structure: The building is determined to be in good condition and occupied.

Staff Recommendations: 

At the previous HDLC Commission meeting, a solution to raise the building to base-flood-elevation was denied. The proposed solution removed the brick foundation and replaced it with wood weatherboards and altered the entry sequence. The building no longer looked like a raised-basement and presented as a two-story building.

The applicant worked with Staff and created a solution that would restore the front entry sequence, retain the brick foundation wall and still present as a raised-basement. The building also currently has 6'-10" livable clearance and is being raised to base-flood-elevation with an additional 1'-0" added. For the aforementioned reasons, Staff recommends no objection.

• Recommendation: No objection.