On Sept. 3, the New Orleans Historic District Landmarks Commission approved the demolition of two properties deemed to be in poor condition, including 715 Louisiana Ave. in the Irish Channel and 1828 Hollygrove St. in Carrollton. The approval for 715 Louisiana Ave. included a stipulation that the permit will only be issued after redevelopment plans have been approved for the property.
In Algiers Point, the commission considered a request to keep a linear roof vent that was installed in the street-facing slope of 531-533 Belleville St. in deviation of the original permit. This is the second time the commission has considered this retention application; it was deferred in July 2025. The applicant reasoned that the vent would combat the property’s moisture issues better than soffit vents in the ceiling of the front porch, which are frequently used on Creole cottages like this one. Ultimately, the commission decided to deny the retention of the linear roof vent, asking the applicant to work with HDLC staff to either move the vent to a less visible spot along the roof’s edge or install soffit vents.
Uptown, the commission deferred a proposal to renovate a Queen Anne-style residence at 203 Walnut St., which involved reframing about 70 percent of the roof to create a livable attic space. Commissioners recommended that the applicant explore alternative ways to add livable space that adhere to the HDLC design guidelines and return to the HDLC in 30 days.
At 624 Webster St., the commission approved demolishing about 65 percent of the façade of the Craftsman-style raised basement house as part of a renovation. The approval included some specific requirements for relocating the windows and doors, which the owner intends to salvage.
Also Uptown, the commission issued a $16,000 fine for demolition work at 500 State St., which removed part of the roof and exterior walls without an HDLC permit.
The applicant expressed regret at not contacting the HDLC before the demolition work commenced and plans to rebuild what was there previously.
