613 Vallette St.

District: Algiers Point - Full Control

Owner: Doris S Lewis

HDLC Staff: Wendy Cargile

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Debbie Champagne (Code Enforcement)

Permit #: 24-30828-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, but altered.

• The importance of the building or structure to the tout ensemble of the area: The house first appears on the 1896 Sanborn map. While the house has been modified over time with the addition of a brick veneer facade, a side addition and a two-story rear addition, it continues to contribute to the neighborhood through its massing, scale, and footprint.  

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

• The difficulty or impossibility of reproducing such a building or structure because of its design, texture, material or detail: It likely would not be difficult to recreate as the massing and scale of the building are quite humble, but the materials would not be as high quality. 

• The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District: Modifications over the years include an addition of a Craftsman style front porch and roof with exposed rafters. The house maintains wood siding at the right side elevation along with original window openings. However, the historic doors and windows have been removed.  The left elevation is mostly obscured by several additions and an archway, along with the brick veneer that was installed at the facade. 

• The condition of the building or structure: From an exterior inspection on August 7, 2024 conducted by an HDLC Inspector, the building was found to be in fair to poor condition. The one-story portion of the building showed some signs of deterioration including deteriorated soffit and fascia at the front porch. other deteriorated items included gutters, downspouts, and vegetation growing on the building. The roof does not show signs of failure. However, the much newer two-story portion of the building shows significant signs of deterioration and roof failure. From what can be seen from the public right-of-way, this portion of the building only has a plywood covering and is showing signs of roof failure.

Staff Recommendations: 

Currently, the house at 613 Vallette is pending sale to a new owner. The sale, per documents submitted, should have gone through today. While staff agrees with Code Enforcement that the rear two-story portion of the building is problematic, it is not in danger of collapse. Staff recommends denial of the demolition to grade of the entire property and urges the new owner to look into renovating the building as soon as possible. 

• Staff Recommendation: Deny demolition to grade and allow new owner time to renovate.