(Photo: VCC)
A longtime vacant shotgun home on Barracks Street received conceptual approval for renovation by historic landmark staff last week, including an expansion, after it was purchased by new owners in 2021.
The Vieux Carré Commission conceptually approved the renovation of the home located at 740 Barracks St. at their March 16 meeting, with details to be worked out at the staff level, following purchase of the home by new owners last year.
“We are relieved that this long-neglected contributing shotgun will be renovated and returned to the community,” said Erin Holmes, executive director for the Vieux Carré Property Owners, Residents and Associates during a a Feb. 22 meeting. “The forward extension of the camelback will provide increased space and usability while maintaining the historic character of the original building and streetscape.”
The house was recently purchased by the new owners, listed in the VCC property summary report as the Brad Michael Williams Irrevocable Trust. for $403,000 in August 2021, Zillow records show.
The renovation includes an expansion of the rear, second-story “camelback” portion of the house, according to the application filed by Andrew Scott on Nov. 11, 2021.
The two-bedroom, two-bathroom single shotgun home located steps from Bourbon Street was recently issued a permit for interior demolition, with exterior work, on March 16, according to online records.
At the March 16 meeting, the new owner indicated that it will be a “second” home.
Historical records show that the home was built around 1898 and has a “green” rating by the VCC, which means it has local architectural and/or historical significance.
The previous owner is listed as Guido A. Sutter, a retired Gulfport, MS dentist.
Sutter was ordered to pay at least $4,575 in fines and court fees stemming from nine VCC violations after losing an appeal in 2018, court records show.
Owners of French Quarter homes must obtain permission from the VCC for any work on the structures in order to preserve their historical significance.
The VCC was created on a permanent basis after Louisiana voters approved an amendment to the state’s constitution in 1936.
The French Quarter neighborhood itself became a designated National Historic Landmark in 1965 in response to plans to build an expressway through the location. The road project was canceled in the late 1960s after a years-long court battle.