301 Magazine St

District: Picayune Place - Full Control

Owner: Mag301 LLC

HDLC Staff: Dennis Murphy

Rating: Significant

Applicant: Ahmed Salem

Permit #: 22-30859-HDLC

HDLC Guidelines: 

Section 8, Pages 10-13 of the Guidelines for Windows and Doors state that entrance doors serve an important role in regulating the passage of people, light and air into a building, as well as providing a threshold separating the exterior and interior. Historically most doors were wood and varied stylistically based upon the building design, providing a grand formal appearance or one that is more informal and welcoming. Traditionally, a door’s hardware and trim complemented the overall building style. When selecting hardware for a door it is important to complement the historic style. Doors are typically constructed of numerous parts. In some of the earliest examples doors were constructed of vertical boards nailed to horizontal boards, similar to batten shutters. By the middle of the 18th century, elaborate paneled doors became more common and represent the most common door type in American style residences. Paneled doors can be constructed in a variety of configurations that can reflect the style of the building. Later doors often included glazed panels. The Guidelines also note that serviceable original wood doors and transoms and their associated trim and hardware should be retained unless seriously deteriorated. 

Previous ARC & Staff Recommendations: 

12/20/2022: The ARC voted to recommend conceptual approval with the final details to be worked out at the Staff level. The ARC also agreed the requested modifications for additional clear glazing are appropriate but noted the drawings should more clearly indicate this scope of work as a refurbishment of the existing door rather than a new wood replacement door.

11/15/2022: The ARC voted to defer this application for additional review. The ARC also agreed that:

• Additional glazing at the door could be done appropriately, and the applicant could consider modifying the existing door to increase the amount of glazing by removing the existing wood panels and replacing them with new clear glass.

• Alternatively, the applicant could consider leaving the existing wood doors in place and installing new clear glass doors behind with the existing doors left open when the business is open.

• If new doors are proposed, they should relate more to the proportions, geometry and detailing of the adjacent recessed entry alcove windows.

• A first-floor building elevation should be included with the next submission so the ARC can better evaluate the proposed door modifications relative to the building’s existing conditions.

• A previous application for this property included installation of iron gates at the column line to prevent access to the recessed entry alcove. The ARC recommended the applicant consider whether this is a condition they may want for the current occupancy. If so, the proposed gates should be included in the resubmitted materials for review and should relate in design and detailing to the proposed new entry doors. 

• Staff Recommendation: Approve the ARC recommendation for conceptual approval with the final details to be worked out at the Staff level