1641-1645 Foucher St., 3530 Carondelet St.

District: Uptown - Partial Control

Owner: Jesus C Cynthia B Hermosillo 

HDLC Staff: Jesse Stephenson

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Alexander Adamick 

Permit #: 23-23299-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

• The importance of the building or structure to the tout ensemble of the area:  Constructed ca. 1890-1893, 3530 Carondelet is one and a half story, raised basement, Eastlake residence. When constructed the building had wrap around porch facing Foucher Street that remained until at least 1950. The porch was later partially encapsulated to create a side entrance presumably when the building was raised to it's current elevation. Despite the building having been raised it's massing still fits contextually with the surrounding historic buildings.

• The alternatives to demolition that have been explored by the applicant: None are known at this time. 

• The condition of the building or structure: The building is determined to be in good condition and occupied.

Staff Recommendations: 

The proposed plans call for raising the building, essentially creating a two story building. The proposed foundation would be raised to 2'10" and the first floor with a floor to floor height of 10' would be constructed. This work involves restructuring 100% of the existing wall structure, constituting a full demolition. The proposed demolition, if realized, would essentially create a new typology, destroying the original form and style of the building. The elevation of the building and reconfiguring the entry sequence would greatly diminish the historic integrity of the building and negatively impact the character of the surrounding Uptown district.

Overall, the proposed exterior alterations to raise the building significantly impact the existing building. Demolition definition number four (4) explicitly denotes this situation. The HDLC prefers proposals that accommodate square footage through the construction of rear or side yard additions rather than raising existing buildings. A rear wing at this property could readily accommodate the desired square footage. For that reason, Staff recommends denial of the proposed demolition. 

• Recommendation: Denial of proposed wall demolition for increase in building height.