Demolition requests denied for two Tchoupitoulas buildings

Demolition requests for the buildlings at 3950 and 3958 Tchoupitoulas Street were both denied last week. (image via Google Maps)

Two buildings in the 3900 block of Tchoupitoulas Street were denied demolition requests before city officials last week.

A company called Supreme Restoration applied for demolition permits for the structures at 3950 and 3958 Tchoupitoulas. The idea of tearing them down drew opposition from both the public and the committee at the Neighborhood Conservation District Advisory Committee on Monday, March 20, but no one spoke in favor of it.

Tchoupitoulas is “one of the most diverse mixed-use corridors in the city,” with both industrial and residential uses, said Erin Holmes of the Preservation Resource Center. Both extremes of those uses should be preserved, she said.

“These buildings seem to be in viable condition and no redevelopment plans were submitted other than a notation for a commercial mixed use,” Holmes said. “I think the community needs to have some time to evaluate these potential plans rather than just demolishing structures that are viable.”

NCDAC member Ann Farmer read a letter from Priscilla Lawrence, a nearby resident and president of The Historic New Orleans Collection. A number of members of the surrounding Faubourg Marengo Neighborhood Association had sent in letters of opposition as well.

“That block still has its row of houses. I strongly oppose any of them being torn down, particularly with no information about what is going to replace them,” Lawrence’s letter read. “It is important that Tchoupitoulas retains its historic character in order to preserve the adjacent neighborhoods.”

The vote was 8-3 against allowing the demolition of either building. The committee’s recommendations will be sent to the City Council for a final decision.