734 Austerlitz St.

District: Uptown - Partial Control

Owner: Moore Property Ventures LLC

HDLC Staff: Chad Spurlin

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Michael Moore

Permit #: 26-24226-HDLC

Description: Demolition of over 50% of the roof structure of a Contributing rated, one-story single-family residential building.

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.

The condition of the building or structure:

FEMA research and Sanborn maps indicate that 734 Austerlitz St. was constructed between 1900-1909, within the period of significance of the Uptown local historic district. The Eastlake-style, single shotgun building retains many of its original architectural features. At the front porch, an openwork frieze with piercework is supported by decorative fan brackets spanning between turned colonnettes. The front facade retains its original full-length gallery window and transom above the entry door. While the roof was not originally metal clad, the building retains it historic hipped form. The proposed renovation would remove the masonry chimney located between the first and second rooms.

Staff Recommendations:

The applicant proposes the demolition of approximately 62% of the existing roof area to accommodate the construction of a new camelback addition. However, only 45% of the primary roof structure will be demolished, as the scope of work includes the removal of a lean-to addition and poorly constructed rear porches.

Because the proposed camelback is located at least two historic rooms back from the front building wall, consistent with the Design Guidelines, HDLC Staff does not object to the request for partial roof demolition.