The historic house at 4854 Camp St. in the Uptown Historic District is gone — the result of a shocking illegal demolition. A PRC site visit on Sept. 24 confirmed that no remnants of the shotgun remain on the lot.
This brazen disregard for the city’s rule of law came after the applicant, Michael Moore, received denials from both the New Orleans Historic District Landmarks Commission and the City Council, the latter of which voted unanimously on Aug. 21 in favor of District B Councilmember Lesli Harris’ motion to uphold the HDLC’s decision.
The maximum fine for unlawful building demolitions in New Orleans historic districts is $25,000 or 15 percent of the assessed value of the property — or whichever is greater.
Despite alterations to the façade, there was no reason to demolish this house, the HDLC decided. It was structurally sound and had a largely intact late 19th century interior, with original wood floors, fireplace surrounds and mantels. HDLC staff determined the altered facade could be restored with minimal intervention.
At the HDLC meeting on July 9, Moore acknowledged that the property could be redeveloped but said it would be easier to start fresh, adding that a new building would be more historically accurate and significant. At the time, several commissioners raised concerns about this logic; demolition might be the easiest solution but valuing new buildings that replicate an old style over buildings that are actually from a long time ago, would establish a concerning precedent.
The owner is Moore Property Ventures, LLC, of which Michael Moore is the registered agent, according to Secretary of State records.
Like so many other properties around the city that have been restored and reused by rule-abiding residents and developers, this neglected building could have been turned into a great home, saving quality historic materials from the landfill.
