District: Warehouse District - Full Control
Owner: 333 St Joseph Foundry LLC
HDLC Staff: Dennis Murphy
Rating: Contributing
Applicant: Wendy Kerrigan
Permit #: 24-02130-HDLC
Description: Retention of installation of inappropriate permanent roll-down storm shutters at penthouse window openings of a Contributing rated three-story, mixed-use building in deviation of a Certificate of Appropriateness.
HDLC Guidelines:
Section 8, Page 15 – Guidelines for Windows & Doors
Section 13, Pages 3, 8 – Guidelines for Storm Preparedness
Retention Item Recommendations:
Installation of inappropriate permanent roll-down storm shutters: Denial
Staff Recommendations:
The applicant originally applied for and received a building permit and CofA to renovate the existing mixed-use building, including repair of the 2nd floor wood windows to match existing. After the CofA was issued and work began at the building, the applicant contacted HDLC Staff to discuss additional necessary exterior work. The CofA was then updated to include removal of an impermeable paint coating for replacement with a new breathable masonry coating, and minor modifications at the second floor brick façade ledge to better shed water. Unfortunately, the applicant did not provide any information for new storm shutters and this specific work was not reviewed or approved in advance.
On December 21, 2023, Staff observed that new permanent roll-down storm shutters had been installed at the 3rd floor penthouse openings without HDLC approval and notified the applicant. While located only at the new penthouse addition openings, the roll-down shutters and their coil housings are visually prominent and are highly visible from all surrounding streets, including directly across St. Joseph and particularly from Tchoupitoulas and North Diamond Street. They also appear to have a highly reflective finish from various surrounding perspectives.
The HDLC Guidelines for shutters and storm preparedness allow for minimally obtrusive and historically appropriate permanent storm shutters, which are typically temporary wood, metal, or fabric panels that are deployed only when storms are approaching. By utilizing minimally visible pre-installed fasteners, the openings are able to be protected when necessary with little to no negative impact on the existing building's historic fabric or visual character. Based on this, the high visibility of the storm shutters from the surrounding public right of way, and because this work was completed without HDLC approval, Staff recommends denial of the request for retention. Staff also recommends the applicant consider other less-intrusive methods to achieve the desired opening protection that can be reviewed and approved at the staff level.
Case History:
12/09/22: Application submitted for interior and exterior renovation of existing building.
01/31/23: CofA issued for exterior work, including repair of existing second floor wood windows to match existing.
08/08/23: Applicant contacts Staff to discuss additional exterior work necessary, such as removal of impermeable paint coating for replacement with new breathable masonry coating and minor modifications at the second floor brick façade ledge. Installation of new roll-down storm shutters not noted at this time. CofA is updated to include the additional exterior work discussed.
12/21/23: HDLC Staff observes that permanent roll-down storm shutters were installed at penthouse window openings along St. Joseph and Commerce Street sides without approval. Applicant is notified.
01/24/24: Application submitted for retention.