619 Gravier St.

District: Picayune Place - Full Control

Owner: International House LLC 

HDLC Staff: Dennis Murphy

Rating: Significant

Applicant: John C Williams 

Permit #: 25-31811-HDLC 

HDLC Design Guidelines: 

Section 8, Pages 2-3, 8-9 and 20 of the Guidelines for Windows and Doors state that the arrangement, size, proportions, patterns and configurations of window and door openings are key components of a building’s style and character. Since all of the components and details of a window are essential to defining the construction period and style, the pattern and configuration of proposed replacement windows should be historically appropriate for each building. When considering a replacement window, every effort should be made to match the original size, shape, configuration, type, operation, materials, muntin pattern, dimensions, profiles and detailing to the greatest extent possible, in addition to retaining or duplicating the historic decorative wood trim.

Section 12, Pages 12-16 of the Guidelines for New Construction, Additions, and Demolition state that new exterior architectural elements and projections (such as porches, galleries, balconies, and new exterior egress stairs providing a secondary means of exit) contribute to a historic building’s overall shape and silhouette. It is generally not appropriate to add new architectural elements or projections to a building’s street-facing elevation; such additions are more suitable when located at rear elevations or toward the rear of non-street-facing elevations. The Guidelines also recommend that any new architectural elements or projections feature compatible yet simplified detailing, particularly when located at a side or rear elevation.

Staff Recommendations: 

As part of the comprehensive interior renovation of the building, the applicant proposes to restore three previously existing arch-top window openings and one arch-top door opening, installing new wood windows and a full-glazed wood door matching the original size, shape, and location, based on visible interior and exterior evidence supported by historic drawings and documentation. The proposed window reinstallation is therefore considered a restoration of a previously existing condition.

The applicant also proposes to install a new exterior egress stair at the left-side elevation to provide a secondary means of egress from the third-floor library to an existing emergency egress path at the rear of the site. While the adjacent hotel is the current owner of this structure, the applicant has noted that an interior thru-wall connection is not feasible due to floor height differences and the presence of a guest suite at this area. The proposed stair would extend upward toward the rear, rising slightly above the existing parapet to maintain functionality while minimizing visual and physical impact on the historic structure.

The HDLC Design Guidelines strongly discourage the installation of new exterior egress stairs where visible from the public right of way, particularly at prominent building elevations. They also note that new exterior architectural elements or projections are most appropriate when located at rear elevations or toward the rear of non-street-facing elevations, and when designed with compatible yet simplified detailing. Given that visually prominent multi-story exterior egress stairs already exist along the alley, the proposed cantilevered stair, with its limited overall run, is expected to have a minimal impact on the existing building. Staff therefore leaves the decision to the discretion of the Commission and recommends a proviso that the restored door opening at the egress stair must utilize a solid wood door without glazing.

• Staff Recommendation: At the discretion of the Commission, with a proviso that the restored egress door opening utilize a solid wood door without glazing