3912 Saint Claude Ave.

Description: Renovation of a Contributing rated, two-story, two-family, residential building including installation of new visible exterior rear stair.

Previous ARC Recommendations: 

09/17/24: The ARC voted to defer the application for additional review. The ARC also agreed that:

• A modified version of proposed rear stair Option 2 is preferred. The ARC noted that Options 1 and 3 do not appear to provide enough visual enclosure to the stair, and the wing wall shown in Option 3 does not appear to be successful.

  • • Rather than installing weatherboard siding at the enclosure, the applicant could consider utilizing a more visually transparent slatted wall instead. The slats should be spaced approximately ½” to 1” apart and can be painted Hardie. This could help to make the stair enclosure more breathable, reduce its overall visual massing, and help further distinguish it as a new element that is distinct from the existing historic building.

    • The slatted wall enclosure should be extended up to the 2nd floor level rather than terminating at a parapet height at the landing. The guardrail can also be a separate element from the slatted wall enclosure.

    • The proposed cut-out at the underside of the stair should be eliminated as this form visually suggests the presence of stairs. This area below the stairs could then potentially be utilized for additional storage or HVAC equipment.

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

• The ideal solution would be to integrate the required egress stair at the building interior; however, this may not meet SHPO/NPS approval requirements. If this is not feasible, the applicant should explore alternative options and strategies that reduce the overall size and visibility of the stairs and provide more of a sense of visual enclosure.

• The current proposed stair appears too consistent with the existing building and may potentially be confused as a historic element rather than a modern addition. The design and materials should be further refined so it reads more as a new and contemporary element. 

  • • The applicant should consider reducing the depth of the 2nd floor landing and roof covering and utilizing a cantilever condition rather than post-supported.

    • The applicant should consider some permanent screening strategies, and is encouraged to provide a few options for the next ARC review.

    • The architectural expression and treatment of the new stair (and screening) should be simpler and more contemporary, and the applicant should consider utilizing similar materials and punched openings as the adjacent proposed new cabana accessory. 

    • The applicant could consider shifting the stair on the rear elevation so that it is not symmetrically aligned with the main building to further emphasis it is a new and distinct element.

    • The applicant should contact the SFM to confirm if the stair width can be reduced from 4’-0” to 3’-0” to decrease the overall depth/size of the staircase.

• The applicant should continue to work with SHPO/NPS and should provide them with several options for additional review and feedback before the next ARC review meeting so the two reviews can be more closely coordinated.

Context Photos:

View of Rear from St. Claude Avenue:

View of Rear from Alvar Street:

View of Rear from Bartholomew Street:

Current Drawings:

Previously Reviewed Drawings - 09/17/24:

Previously Reviewed Drawings - 08/20/24:

Sanborn Maps:

HDLC Bywater Historic Building Survey:

Street View: