739 Elysian Fields Ave.

District: Faubourg Marigny - Full Control

Owner: MDC Associates LLC

HDLC Staff: Dennis Murphy

Rating: Contributing & Non-Contributing

Applicant: Benjamin Atchison

Permit #: 25-04284-HDLC 

HDLC Guidelines: 

Section 12, Page 14-19 of the Guidelines for New Construction, Additions, and Demolition states that, in conformance with The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, an addition to a historic building should be subordinate to the historic building and read clearly as an addition. The subordinate appearance of an addition can be achieved through its scale, form, massing, materials and details.

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”: Both structures are Non-Contributing

• The importance of the building or structure to the tout ensemble of the area:  Sanborn map research indicates that both structures were constructed outside the period of significance for the local historic district. The one-story primary structure fronting Elysian Fields Avenue was built between 1937 and 1950, and the two-story rear accessory structure was built sometime after 1950 at an unknown date. The primary structure first appears on the 1950 Sanborn map as a one-story commercial building and appears to have retained its original style, scale, massing, roof form, and footprint, aside from a non-visible rear addition completed later at an unknown date. In their current condition, neither building is considered to contribute to the historic character of the surrounding local historic district.

• The alternatives to demolition that have been explored by the applicant: Not applicable.

• The difficulty or impossibility of reproducing such a building or structure because of its design, texture, material or detail: Based on both building’s modest scale, materials, and limited architectural detailing, their overall form is relatively simple and could be replicated. However, it is unlikely that the site would again be developed as a one-story commercial building with a similarly limited footprint.

• The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District:  Neither structure is considered historic, nor does either exhibit a discernible architectural style. The use of simple, modest materials, minimal detailing, and the lack of typical fenestration at the primary building suggest that both structures were constructed for utilitarian purposes. Additionally, their design, materials, massing, and roof forms are inconsistent with the architectural character and development pattern of adjacent historic buildings within the surrounding local historic district.

• The condition of the building or structure: HDLC Staff completed a visual exterior inspection of the buildings from the public right-of-way on July 15, 2025. The one-story primary structure fronting Elysian Fields Avenue was found to be in fair condition, while the two-story rear accessory structure visible from Dauphine Street was in very poor condition. 

At the primary structure, the condition of the masonry and mortar at the front elevation is obscured by the existing paint coating; however, minor mortar deterioration is evident, particularly along the left side. The corrugated asbestos roof appears watertight, though prior repairs are visible and it may be nearing the end of its service life. One window adjacent to the entry door is missing and has been boarded.

The two-story rear accessory structure exhibits far more advanced deterioration. The roof structure appears to have collapsed or been removed sometime between March and December 2023. While the exterior masonry walls remain largely plumb and intact, all doors and windows are missing, leaving the structure essentially as an open, roofless shell.

• The future utilization of the site: Plans to redevelop the site, including the construction of a new three-story addition connected to the adjacent historic structure, have been submitted and were recommended for conceptual approval by the ARC at the September 16, 2025 meeting, with the recommendations noted below.

Staff Recommendations: 

Due to the non-contributing rating of both structures, the lack of architectural or character-defining features, and their current fair-to-poor condition, Staff recommends approval of the request for demolition to grade. Staff further recommends that the Commission vote to ratify the ARC recommendation for conceptual approval of the proposed renovation and new addition, with final details to be worked out at the Staff level.

• Staff Recommendation: Approval of demolition and approval of ARC recommendations for the proposed redevelopment.