714 Seventh St.

District: Irish Channel - Full Control

Owner: 714 Seventh LLC

HDLC Staff: Wendy Cargile

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Terrell Fabacher

Permit #: 25-28028-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:  FEMA survey estimates the building was constructed between 1870 and 1880. However, the 1937 Sanborn map shows a single, one-story shotgun on the site. The shotgun and current two-story house do have the same footprint and it is possible the house was modified to be a two-story at some point. 

• The alternatives to demolition that have been explored by the applicant: The previous owner had an application for renovation prior to the fire. 

• The difficulty or impossibility of reproducing such a building or structure because of its design, texture, material or detail: It would not be difficult to recreate the footprint and massing of the building.

• The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District: Very little at this time.

• The condition of the building or structure: On October 28, 2025 an HDLC Inspector did an exterior and interior inspection and found the building to be in very poor condition. The fire damage throughout the building would warrant near 100% replacement of materials. Further, a previous inspection in 2023, prior to the fire, for the renovation permit found the structure of the building to be in poor to very poor condition

ARC & Staff Recommendations: 

Due to the overall poor condition of the structure, questionable historic value, and danger of renovation, Staff has no objection to the demolition to grade.

For the new construction, at the October 21, 2025 ARC meeting; the ARC recommended conceptual approval with the details to be worked out at the staff level.  

• Recommendation: Approval