Preservation advocates rally against demolition of historic buildings in New Orleans' Treme District

The New Orleans Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC) meeting on December 16, 2024, focused on several significant demolition requests, with the commission ultimately denying all applications presented. The discussions highlighted the importance of preserving historic structures in the city, particularly in the Treme and Mid City Historic Districts.

One of the most notable cases involved the rare Creole cottage at 1016 North Roman Street, built in the mid-19th century by Lenoreville Augustine Pascal. The Preservation Resource Center (PRC) supported the HDLC staff's recommendation to deny the demolition application, emphasizing the cottage's historical significance and the potential for rehabilitation. The current owner, Miss Sheila, expressed her desire to restore the property and is seeking funding through a revival grant. The commission encouraged code enforcement to explore alternatives to demolition, suggesting that city funds could be better utilized to secure the building while the owner resolves title issues.

Another significant case was the request to demolish the circa 1880 mixed-use building at 1900 Saint Anne Street. The HDLC staff recommended denial, noting that the building, while in poor condition, is not beyond rehabilitation. The owner is actively pursuing tax credits for renovation, and the commission echoed the sentiment that demolition should not be considered when viable alternatives exist.

The commission also addressed the application for the demolition of a two-family residential building at 416 South Broad Street. Again, the staff recommended denial, citing the building's potential for rehabilitation and the need for immediate attention to prevent further deterioration. The PRC reiterated the importance of preserving the neighborhood's historic character and urged collaboration between the owner and code enforcement.

In a separate case, the commission reviewed a demolition request for a single-family residential building at 613 Valette Street. The building's condition was deemed poor but not in danger of collapse, leading to another unanimous denial of the demolition application. The potential new owner, an architect, expressed enthusiasm for restoring the property.

The meeting concluded with a discussion about the need for better communication between the HDLC and code enforcement regarding demolition applications. Commissioners expressed concern over the lack of alternatives being explored and the importance of preserving New Orleans' architectural heritage. The commission plans to forward their concerns to code enforcement to encourage more comprehensive solutions for addressing blight without resorting to demolition.

Overall, the HDLC's decisions reflect a commitment to preserving the city's historic fabric, emphasizing rehabilitation over demolition whenever possible. The commission's unanimous votes against the demolition applications signal a strong stance on maintaining New Orleans' unique architectural identity.