623 Frenchmen St.

Description: Review of proposed roof-mounted HVAC equipment locations as part of previously approved renovation of a Contributing rated, two-story, commercial building including demolition of non-original rear addition and construction of new side and rear additions. 

Previous ARC Recommendations: 

04/18/23: The ARC voted to recommend conceptual approval of Option (2) with the final details to be worked out at the Staff level and for the application to return for additional ARC review if proposed mechanical equipment becomes visible from the public right of way. The ARC also agreed that:

• All three options are an improvement over the previous iteration, but Option (2) is preferred because it provides more breathing space and visual distinction between the existing historic building and new addition and more closely reflects the previous building footprints on the site based on Sanborn maps. 

• The simpler rear dependency doors shown in Option (3) are preferred.

03/14/23: The ARC voted to defer the application for additional review. The ARC agreed the proposed side addition is not appropriate as presented because it is unsympathetic to the existing historic building typology, may damage historic building fabric, and obscures and negatively impacts the perception of the original building massing from the street. The ARC recommended the applicant instead consider replacing the rear building with a larger footprint structure and maintaining the current width of the service wing, so the site plan was more of a “U” configuration. The ARC also agreed the uncovered decks at the right side should be eliminated and the proposed exterior stair should be incorporated at the building interior or further concealed from view from the street. The ARC also requested additional massing studies including views taken from street level be provided for review at the next meeting.

Context Photos:

Current Drawings:

Previously Reviewed Drawings - 04/18/2023:

Previously Reviewed Drawings - 03/14/2023:

Heat Pump & HVAC Equipment Specifications:

HDLC Marigny Historic Building Survey:

Street View: