1900-1902 Saint Ann St.

District: Esplanade Ridge - Partial Control

Owner: The Bat 2 LLC

HDLC Staff: Jesse Stephenson

Rating: Significant

Applicant: Debbie Champagne (Code Enforcement)

Permit #: 24-30379-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”: Significant

• The importance of the building or structure to the tout ensemble of the area:  The building at 1900 Saint Ann is the bookend of the block of extant creole cottages and shotgun doubles. The two-story mixed use building is indicative of vernacular corner store or retail spaces seen throughout the city of New Orleans.

• The alternatives to demolition that have been explored by the applicant: None

• The difficulty or impossibility of reproducing such a building or structure because of its design, texture, material or detail: The replication of the building would be extremely difficult and highly unlikely. 

• The condition of the building or structure: FEMA survey research estimates the date of construction of 1900 St Ann to have been completed around 1880. The building is constructed of masonry on the first floor with a stick framed second floor with four bays. The building retains it's brackets, trim and cornices.

The overall condition of the building is poor and was only seen from a visual inspection conducted from the public right of way as Staff did not have access to the interior of the building. The building is not in an active state of collapse but is missing weatherboards, window sashes and has deteriorated stucco that previously covered the masonry of the first floor.

Staff Recommendation:

The last permit issued by the HDLC was in 2016 for the replacement of a small balcony that faced North Roman Street. The permit expired due to inactivity.

While the building is in poor condition Staff does not believe that the building is beyond rehabilitation. The owner has submitted documents showing that they are proceeding with tax credits to renovate the building. For the aforementioned reasons Staff recommends denial of the demolition.

• Staff Recommendation: Denial