938 Lafayette St. 

Staff Recommendations: 

Constructed in 1868-1869, Turner’s Hall was completed as the new meeting hall for the Turngemeinde, also known as the Society of Turners. The building was nominated as an HDLC Landmark in 1978 for its architectural significance. Currently, Turner’s Hall is one of few surviving buildings of its type within the CBD. 

In June 2023, a mechanical permit was issued for the installation of a permanent generator at the building. The location of the generator, behind a wall and not visible from the public right of way, had been previously approved under a 2021 permit (#21-10615) for work at the right-side elevation. As seen in the approved drawings below, the generator was to be located off the right-side parking lot in a sunken area of the redesigned courtyard. However, upon inspection, the generator was installed in an existing parking space within the first row of parking at the right-side of the building. Currently, the generator is visible from not only the parking lot but also from O’Keefe Avenue. 

The HDLC guidelines stipulate that ground mounted equipment must be installed in the least obtrusive location possible. These locations typically include rear yards or side yards with fencing. The approved location adhered to both requirements. The as installed condition is considered visibly obtrusive. 

Because the generator is located within an existing parking spot, it will often be screened by adjacent vehicles. Additional fencing would likely attract more attention to the equipment. The generator as installed does not distract from the building. Staff recommends retention of the generator in its current location.