5-1-2025: Re: Demolition Application for 7519 Hampson Street

May 1, 2025

New Orleans City Council
1300 Perdido Street
New Orleans, LA 70112

Re: Demolition Application for 7519 Hampson Street

Louisiana Landmarks Society strongly opposes the proposed demolition of the historic home at 7519 Hampson Street. This current application represents the second demolition attempt for this significant residential structure since 2019, and the second time Louisiana Landmarks Society opposed it. At that time, the City wisely denied the previous request following substantial community opposition. The fundamental circumstances warranting that previous denial remain unchanged.

Built circa 1880, this 140-year-old residence represents an irreplaceable component of New Orleans' architectural heritage. According to preservation guidelines established by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, structures of this age and architectural integrity merit thorough consideration before any demolition is contemplated. The property retains its structural integrity, poses no public safety hazard, and was successfully maintained by previous owners for over four decades—clear evidence that rehabilitation, not demolition, is the appropriate path forward.

The historical significance of this property extends beyond its individual value to its contribution to the architectural ensemble of the 7500 block of Hampson Street. This block presents a rare, intact collection of period structures with no modern intrusions. Urban planning research consistently demonstrates that such cohesive historic streetscapes significantly enhance neighborhood character, property values, and quality of life. The introduction of contemporary construction would irreparably fracture this visual harmony and set a dangerous precedent for future development in historic districts throughout our city.

The City of New Orleans' Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and Master Plan explicitly recognize the importance of preserving historic structures as vital components of our cultural identity and economic well-being. Approving this demolition would directly contradict these established city policies and undermine the substantial public and private investments made in neighborhood preservation throughout New Orleans.

We therefore respectfully urge you to deny this demolition application and uphold the City’s commitment to preserving both this individual property and the historical character that defines New Orleans neighborhoods.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra Stokes
Chair of Advocacy
Louisiana Landmarks Society