210 Saint Charles Ave.

Description:  Renovation of two existing connected Contributing rated multi-story commercial buildings including modification of ground-floor storefronts and windows along St. Charles Avenue and Common Street as part of a conversion to hotel use. 

Previous ARC & Staff Recommendations:  

09/17/24: The ARC voted to recommend conceptual approval with the final details to be worked out at the Staff level. The ARC agreed that:

• The proposed ground floor elevation along St. Charles Avenue is acceptable as presented in the absence of additional historic documentation, and because SHPO/NPS will not permit changes or reconfiguration at this area without additional specific evidence. 

• The details of the proposed metal storefront windows at the ground floor openings along St. Charles Avenue should be refined to relate better to the overall building design and proportions. 

  • • The tripartite window condition should remain, but the proposed divided lights should be removed so the windows appear a bit more contemporary. 

    • A horizontal transom may need to be added at the top of the openings to reduce the overall window sizes to achieve required impact ratings. This may also help the windows relate better to the size/proportions of the central entry door.

    • Detailing of the window should be simple, such as a flat trim piece to create a shadow line and should not attempt to replicate historic profiles or detailing more typical of the existing wood windows above. 

• The proposed window to door Option 1 is preferred, and the applicant should consider the design and detailing of these tall false windows to ensure they are sufficiently structured and supported to ensure maximum longevity. 

• The updated balcony handrail still appears to be too busy, and the applicant should utilize simple vertical pickets to match those already existing at the 3rd floor windows. 

• The use of tri-fold doors with fixed night-blind panels at the trash room is preferred over the option to utilize a reflective film at the interior side of the glass.

  • • The night blinds must be solid panels rather than the louvered panels indicated.

• Staff Recommendation: Approval

08/20/24: The ARC voted to defer the application for additional review. The ARC agreed that:

• The proposed ground-floor changes, particularly at the St. Charles side, may be a missed opportunity to restore these two highly altered areas more faithfully to their original historic configuration and conditions. 

  • • The applicant should further investigate if historic photographs or other information may be available to document the original ground-floor conditions. Staff can assist with this research.

• St. Charles Avenue Elevation:

• The proposed new ground-floor treatment (window size/type and pilaster locations) appears disconnected from the rhythm and proportions of the historic façade and openings above. The applicant should consider adjusting the location of the pilasters to better relate to the openings above and should consider introducing additional glazing.

• The conversion of existing windows to new doors can be challenging to accurately replicate historic wood window sash/muntin sizes, proportions, and installation. 

  • • The applicant should provide additional details demonstrating how the proposed new doors will replicate the existing window dimensions and details, including door hardware, etc. 

    • It may also be helpful to provide some example photos of successful window to door conversions for reference. 

• The new balcony handrail appears too busy, and the applicant should further study the design, for example, by removing the intermediary vertical picket areas so the overall design is further simplified.

• An updated St. Charles Avenue elevation should be provided for the next ARC review.

• Common Street Elevation:

  • • NPS may not accept the proposed louver vent integrated into the millwork as shown.

    • The applicant should clarify the proposed strategy for how visibility into the BOH areas (such as trash and fire pump rooms) will be obscured from the sidewalk.

      • The ARC recommended the applicant consider wood tri-fold store doors with night blinds to allow for a consistent treatment across the openings with the blinds installed on some doors to obscure visibility into BOH spaces. This may also make it easier to incorporate any necessary louvered venting.

    • Light fixtures should only be installed at both sides of the opening bay that will be used for building access, to indicate entry. 

    • An updated Common Street elevation should be provided for the next ARC review.

Context Photos:

St. Charles Avenue Side:

Common Street Side:

Current Drawings:

Proposed St. Charles Avenue Window to Door Modification Options:

Proposed Updated St. Claude Avenue Balcony Handrail:

Proposed Updated Common Street Ground-Floor Elevation Options:

Historic Photograph - Louisiana Digital Library:

Previously Reviewed Drawings - 08/20/2024:

Interior Ground Floor Condition Photos - Submitted by Applicant:

St. Charles Avenue Side:

Common Street Side:

NPS Part 2 Approval:

Sanborn Maps:

HDLC CBD Historic Building Survey:

New Orleans Architecture - Volume II - The American Sector:

Street View: