720 Henry Clay Ave.

Description: Renovation of Landmark monastery building and new construction of two flanking buildings totaling 36,723 SF for multi-family residential use.

Previous ARC Recommendations:

07/21/26: The ARC voted to defer this application for additional review. The ARC stated that the overall site plan was appropriate. However, the symmetry of the two new buildings needs further study; with a preference to the Constance St new building that was set further back from the historic building. The ARC stated that the overall massing of the new buildings needed further study to further differentiate them from the historic building. The ARC preferred the contemporary approach to the new buildings and recommended that be carried throughout with the massing further broken down. The ARC requested that the covered parking be included at the next meeting. At the monastery, the ARC stated that the new shed dormer at the rear was not appropriate, and the existing dormers should be maintained. The existing dormers could be modified and possibly widened for more space and natural light. The addition of the upper gallery on the Magazine St elevation needs further detailing to understand the amount of modifications required. The ARC recommended an uncovered balcony instead of a full gallery to minimize the modifications needed. The proposed terrace at the right historic entrance wing removed too much historic fabric. The ARC recommended split-leveling the terrace to maintain the existing steps. The ARC stated that the monastery building is a designated landmark. As such, extant architectural elements such as stairs and stained-glass windows should be retained and not be considered for removal in order to make the building more compatible for contemporary residential desires or economic concerns.

Context Photos:

Henry Clay Ave:

Magazine St:

Calhoun St:

Constance St:

Current Drawings:

Previous Drawings - 07/21/26:

Street View: