740 Jena St

District: Uptown - Partial Control

Owner: Mary Grace Verges

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Seamus McGuire

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 indicates the original building was constructed between 1900 and 1910, however, it likely first appears on the 1893 Sanborn map as a double with a residential and commercial unit and wrap-around corner awning. The original building has been altered over the years but appears to have retained a majority of its original style, scale, massing, roof form and footprint to this day. It is not clear when modifications at the recessed front porch were completed, however, based on the Craftsman-style wood windows and doors at this area, it was likely within the period of significance for the local historic district.

• The alternatives to relocation that have been explored by the applicant: The applicant previously submitted a renovation application including a camelback addition but withdrew the request in favor of demolition to grade.

• The special character and aesthetic interest that the building or structure adds to the local Historic District: The one-story residential building appears to have retained some of its original character-defining architectural features and details such as historic Craftsman-style wood 3-over-2 windows, multi-light casement windows, doors, sidelights and transom. While the existing windows appear atypical in size and header height, they do appear to have been extant on the building during the period of significance. However, based on the off-set location of the front entry door, it is unclear if these are the original locations or whether these were adjusted when the building was converted to a single residential unit or later when the porch was modified. The stucco front porch column also does not appear to be original to the building.

• The difficulty or impossibility of reproducing such a building or structure because of its design, texture, material or detail: Based on the size of the building's footprint and minimal exterior architectural elements, it would likely not be more expensive or difficult to reproduce the building today rather than maintaining it in its current form. It is not readily apparent what percentage of original material may be salvaged during a renovation. Using equivalent materials in contemporary construction may be costly, but the overall form and detailing is relatively simple and could be replicated.

• The condition of the building or structure: HDLC Inspector Daniel Syal performed an interior/exterior visual inspection on November 29, 2022 and determined the building to be in fair condition. On the exterior, the roof shingles are in excellent condition and the attic was dry and well maintained. Some of the masonry piers are damaged and may require replacement, however, the majority are in fair condition and would only require repointing. The masonry chain wall was in good condition and the stucco well-maintained. At the interior, some areas of floor structure will require sistering or other repairs, however, rot and termite damage was not visible and most of the joists were in good condition. The current asbestos siding is in excellent condition and continues to provide a secure and watertight building envelope. The wood windows are also in good condition and would only require re-glazing and paint. The full inspection report is included in the presentation below for reference.

Staff Recommendations:

While the current building appears to have changed use and was modified over the years, it continues to retain much of its original character-defining architectural features to this day and its style, scale, massing, roof form, and footprint continue to contribute to the tout ensemble of the surrounding historic district. Additionally, the building sits on a 65'-0" wide double-lot which makes the historic structure more vulnerable to requests for demolition as the lot has sufficient width to be sub-divided by right for construction of two new replacement buildings. Based on this, and the Contributing rating of the existing building, Staff recommends denial of the request for demolition to grade. Staff also recommends the applicant re-consider their previous request for a renovation and camelback addition as this more limited scope of partial demolition work would be more appropriate for the building and its current condition and would allow more of its historic building fabric to remain.

• Staff Recommendation: Denial