8121-23 Spruce

Beautiful Residence	Pile of Rubble	Horrendous Empty Lot

See the demolition

To be torn down and be replaced with a 2 story building

Architectural features: A bayed colonial revival double residence of the late 1930s. A gracefully designed recessed side porch fits snugly under an end pediment. Paired segmental arches and starburst balustrades frame and define the porches. The architect George J. Lupo, "who was active in New Orleans architecture from 1927 to 1946."

History: This house was built in 1937 by Clarence D. Charlton, Contractor and Builder. The architect was Geo. J. Lupo. Mrs. Ella Leoto Baird was the first resident. After about 4 years, the house was sold to Mrs. Bettie Taylor who then sold it to Mrs. Pearl Russell Martin, who lived there for about 46 years. Russell M Cornelius received ownership of the house through the succession of Mrs. Martin. In 1993 Miss Joyce Moses purchased this house. After her death in 2001, her nephew Lloyd Azcona, Jr. sold the house to Stuart Hall School (1/14/02).

HDLC Staff report conclusion: (The HDLC staff gave this house a Gold rating which means that it is :important to the character of the area...it is important that examples of buildings in this classification be preserved as closely as possible to their original form and character.")

"This 1930's house is well designed and is an asset to the street, representing early 20th century architecture. However, it is not of sufficient quality or outstanding significance to qualify for landmark status on its architectural merits alone....However the staff would note that the area is currently under study to become a local historic district, and if that comes to fruition, this building would be rated gold for its architectural status, meaning it is important to the character of the area....If a particular section is to retain its present character, it is important that examples of buildings in this classification should be preserved as closely as possible to their original form and character."