1120 Jena St.

District: Uptown - Partial Control

Owner: George David Johnson

HDLC Staff: Chad Spurlin

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Mary Grace Verges

Permit #: 25-32792-HDLC

Description: Demolition of a Contributing rated, one-story, single-family residential building to grade.

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 research estimates that the single shotgun building at 1120 Jena St was constructed from 1885-95 but does not appear on the Sanborn Map until 1909. Sanbrn research indicates that the front porch was modified some time before 1951. A non-historic rear addition and garage side addition was constructed before 1985.
The alternatives to demolition that have been explored by the applicant: New construction of a single-family home.
The difficulty or impossibility of reproducing such a building or structure because of its design, texture, material or detail: It would not be cost prohibitive to recreate a building of this size or massing but replication of this building typology today would be unlikely. Its sister single shotgun at 1116 Jena St was demolished between 1975-85.
The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District: Shotguns are the most prevalent building type in the Uptown Historic District. The majority of the 1100 block of Jena Street is one-story double shotguns slightly setback from the street.

The condition of the building or structure: An exterior and interior inspecton was conducted on November 19, 2025. The vacant single story building appeared to be in good structural condition. The wood framed building sits atop masonry piers with an worn, but intact, asbestos shingle roof.

The building is clad in vinyl siding, presumably encapsulating wood weatherboards. The primary elevation retains little of it's architectural elements and the side addition obscures the orginal structure's massing and form. The building was plumb and level and did not have outward signs of wood destroying insects. The rear elevation, not original to the building exhibits missing or deteriorated soffits and fascia and multiple layers of siding.

Despite the later additions, the building retains a typical shotgun interior layout.

Staff Recommendations:

Minimal effort would be required to bring the building to a habitable condition. Demolition of the later additions and rehabilitation of the original structure with or without new construction should be explored.