On Oct. 7, the New Orleans Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC) voted to deny the demolition of the house at 3511-3513 Danneel St. in the Uptown Historic District.
The New Orleans Department of Code Enforcement submitted the application after citingthe owners for several violations related to the building’s neglected condition. Google Earth images show that the double shotgun has been in a state of deterioration for at least a decade under the current ownership.
A blighted building is a serious concern for neighbors, but demolition is rarely an effective, long-term solution. Replacing a blighted building with an unmaintained, overgrown vacant lot introduces a new set of problems for a neighborhood.
The Preservation Resource Center (PRC) agreed with the HDLC staff report’s recommendation that Code Enforcement consider alternatives to demolition, such as a Sheriff sale. Code Enforcement did not send a representative to the HDLC meeting to answer questions.
The HDLC inspection found the building to be in fair condition. Historic materials likely remain beneath the vinyl siding and plywood boards. The house may also be eligible for historic tax credits, which could offset renovation costs. In the hands of a responsible owner, this property could be returned to commerce as a desirable historic home.
Salvage encouraged on Delachaise Street
Also Uptown, the commission approved demolition of the house at 2516-2518 Delachaise St. Citing extensive modifications, structural deterioration and improper repairs, the HDLC staff report deemed the building’s historic integrity “beyond rehabilitation.” The staff also noted that the applicant had previously explored alternatives to demolition, including interior and exterior renovation.
The HDLC inspection found that some original interior woodwork including baseboards, trim and flooring, may be salvageable. During the meeting, PRC urged the owner to consider salvaging these materials for reuse rather than sending them to a landfill. The PRC is in contact with the owner to help facilitate the material salvage.
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