7801 Zimpel St.

District: Carrollton - Partial Control 

Owner: Gertrude Gillin

HDLC Staff: Dennis Murphy

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Ravi Doddamani

Permit #: 25-35774-HDLC 

HDLC Design Guidelines: 

Section 12, Pages 12 and 23-24 of the Guidelines for New Construction, Additions and Demolition, state 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. The Guidelines also note that traditionally designed camelback additions at wood framed shotgun buildings are not subject to the review requirements for rooftop additions, however, they must be compatible with the existing building. The second story of camelbacks were traditionally set back at least two historic rooms from the front building wall.

Staff Recommendations: 

FEMA survey research indicates the residential building was originally constructed sometime between 1900 and 1910, and it first appears on the 1909 Sanborn map. The double shotgun structure appears to have retained much of its original type, form, massing and some of its original exterior Classical Revival/Edwardian architectural features and details.

The applicant is requesting approval to remove 55.9% of the roof structure to accommodate the construction of a new camelback addition. Because the proposed camelback is located at least two historic rooms back from the front building wall, as per the HDLC Design Guidelines, Staff has no objection to the request for partial roof demolition. 

• Recommendation: No objection