1-17-2024: 5514-24 Tchoupitoulas Street

January 17, 2024 

Councilmember Joe Giarrusso 
Councilmembers 
1300 Perdido St. 
New Orleans, LA 70112 

Re: 5514-24 Tchoupitoulas Street 

Dear Councilmembers: 

Louisiana Landmarks Society asks that you deny the HDLC appeal to allow the demolition of three contributing structures at 5514-24 Tchoupitoulas Street. We concur with the HDLC staff report that there is no reason to demolish these buildings, and in allowing it, you would instead “reward cynical, negligent property owners operating in bad faith.” 

For over 10 years, Car Wash Blues, LLC, has owned these properties, yet have not maintained them, hoping instead to demolish them to pave more area for their car wash. Their motives are not secret. Fortunately, the City Council has rightly denied the request for demolition for over 10 years. Now is not the time to reward Car Wash Blues, LLC — but rather cite them with demolition by neglect. 

Adding insult to injury, approval would permanently remove eight housing units from the market which provided much-needed residential units as recently as last year. With some maintenance, these buildings can easily provide multiple housing units once again. 

We ask that the City Council deny the demolition request, and return these contributing structures back to commerce. We also ask that you cite the owners with demolition by neglect to send a clear message that we value our historic housing stock. 

Thank you for your consideration. 

Sincerely, 

Sandra Stokes
Chair of Advocacy