802 Napoleon Ave.

District: Uptown - Partial Control

Owner: Briceford LLC

HDLC Staff: Jesse Stephenson

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Roland Arriaga

Permit #: 23-28665-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 importance of the building or structure to the tout ensemble of the area:   FEMA research estimates the building at 802 Napoleon was constructed from 1960-70, outside of the period of significance. The building is a ranch style building constructed on a slab on grade.

• The alternatives to demolition that have been explored by the applicant: New Construction of a one-story, single family building.

• The difficulty or impossibility of reproducing such a building or structure because of its design, texture, material or detail: It is unlikely another building of this style would be constructed but demolition would give the opportunity for a new building. 

• The condition of the building or structure: Good

Staff Recommendations: An exterior visual inspection was completed by HDLC Staff and the building was found to be in good condition. The buildings odd siting, massing and overall aesthetic is not in character of the Uptown Historic District. The HDLC does not have jurisdiction over what goes back on the site but the proposed redevelopment as a single family is in line with keeping the building in commerce. For the aforementioned reasons, Staff recommends no objection to the demolition to grade.

• Staff Recommendation: No objection