JOHN E. SETTLE JR
If there ever is a prime example of "building what you want to build despite city ordinances,"then Olanza Sanders wins the prize.
The well known bronze building between Fairfield Avenue and I-20 West is a testament to Sander's blatant disregard of building regulations and the authority of the city to regulate structures constructed within the city limits.
The structure is physically located at 1019 Picket Street. The paved portion of this street ends at Fairfield Ave. just west of Fertita's Delicatessen. Sander's building is only accessible by barely passable dirt road off Fairfield.
Sanders initially obtained a permit for a three story residential structure. His plans were approved for this construction.
But then Sanders added a fourth story, thereby converting the structure to a commercial usage that exceeded the scope of his building permit. He did not bother to obtain a commercial building permit or get the approval of the needed city departments, including the site approval by the Metropolitan Planning Commission.
The city of Shreveport issued a stop work order on July 16,2020 which Sanders ignored. By letter dated July 21, 2020 Sanders was advised that he needed a permit for a commercial building.
The city later issued a letter dated Jan. 20,2021 to Sanders noting the receipt of an Architect of Record letter but NO revised stamped plans for the commercial four story structure. The letter authorized Sanders "to install the roof and exterior moisture barrier to protect the structure from any further deterioration while you are waiting for your architect fo complete the construction drawings for the project. YOU ARE NOT APPROVED TO INSTALL ANY SIDING UNTIL THE FINAL DRAWINGS ARE APPROVED" (emphasis added).
As is his MO, Sanders ignored that letter and installed the bronze siding on all sides of the building. And to put emphasis on his "independence", he hung a long banner with his picture from the building roof facing I-20.
Sanders now has a court date of April 14. Having avoided service of process of the city's injunction to stop construction for an extensive interval, its an open question if he will appear in the Caddo district court.
Sanders is no stranger to the court system. While in Forcht Wade Correctional Center for a felony conviction Sanders unsuccessfully filed a civil action against correctional officers.
He also unsuccessfully filed a suit in Caddo district court against the MPC.
Now the question will be if Sanders will be forced to comply with ALL the standards for a commercial building. Since the building has NOT been inspected by the city, the building's interior construction is a totally unknown.
If all building requirements for Sanders monument to himself are NOT enforced, then the city of Shreveport will have major issues with ALL future construction, both residential and commercial. By his actions Sanders has made himself test case for the Perkins administration and the court system.