416 S Broad St.

District: Mid-City - Partial Control

Owner: Garden District Properties LLC

HDLC Staff: Jesse Stephenson

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Debbie Champagne (Code Enforcement)

Permit #: 24-30367-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 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 this building would not be cost prohibitive but highly unlikely that any of the Craftsman detailing would be recreated.

• The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District:  The two-story family building  is one of just a few extant craftsman style buildings on the 400 block of South Broad Street. 

• The condition of the building or structure: FEMA survey research estimates the construction of 416 South Broad to have been completed 1910-20 within the period of Significance of the Esplanade Ridge Historic District. The two-story Craftsman style building is a center entry with a masonry front porch with an eclectic pediment. The building is a stick framed building clad in narrow reveal weather boards.

A visual inspection showed the building to be in fair condition. In some locations weatherboards, fascia and windows were missing or showed signs of deterioration. The building is not in an active state of collapse. 

Staff Recommendation:

In October of 2024 a Non-Structural application was filed to do renovations by RLL TRUST NO. 1 F. The application was denied by Safety and Permits citing that the scope required a Structural Application. After the denial a demolition application was filed by the Department of Code Enforcement. Staff believes this building can still be rehabilitated and brought back in to commerce. For the aforementioned reasons Staff recommends denial of the demolition.

• Staff Recommendation: Denial