1940 Saint Claude Ave.

Description: Renovation of a Non-Contributing rated, one-story commercial building including minor change of rear roof form and installation of new exterior pick-up window and visually prominent roof hood vent. 

HDLC Design Guidelines: 

Section 11, page 24 of the Guidelines for Commercial Properties states that Walk-Up Elements, such as ATMs, should not include the removal of historic building fabric or negatively impact the historic character of the building. When considering the addition of such walk-up services, it is preferred if they are located at the interior of the building, such as at an interior vestibule or lobby.  The modification of historic building materials should be avoided and the features installed should be sympathetic to the historic building.  The locations of these services should be discreet and unobtrusive, and the overall building design should be considered as part of the process. 

Section 11, page 21 of the Guidelines for Commercial Properties states that Building Equipment, such as HVAC equipment, restaurant, exhaust fans, electrical supply, generators and energy vaults are necessities of modern life, however, the design and location of this equipment can have a significant negative impact on historic integrity of a building or area. Restaurant vents and exhausts should be installed in a location where they are minimally visible from the public right of way and within the building envelope. All exterior building equipment that is visible from a public way, including plumbing, irrigation systems and electrical connections, must receive a Certificate of Appropriateness (CofA) and comply with all applicable mechanical and building codes.

Section 05, page 2 of the Guidelines for Roofing state that the historic form of a roof is critical to the understanding of a building’s type and architectural style. Alterations to a roof’s shape can have a negative impact on the building’s appearance. Roof forms can have various pitches and be combined in different manners to provide numerous roof types. 

• Staff Recommendation: Approval

Previous ARC Recommendations: 

12/19/2023: The ARC voted to recommend conceptual approval with the final details to be worked out at the Staff level, and for the revised roof vent and platform to return for additional ARC review if Staff feels it is necessary after submission of revised materials. The ARC also agreed that:

• The proposed walk-up pizza drawer location and detailing are appropriate as presented; however, the applicant could also consider relocating the drawer to the Touro Street wall, or to a new entry vestibule located at the interior of the building. 

• The applicant should consider if a simple awning covering is desired to provide additional rain protection for guest using the proposed walk-up pizza drawer.

• The proposed roof changes at the rear of the building are appropriate.

• The proposed location of the roof vent and platform are reasonable at the rear area of roof, on the non-street facing roof slope, and located below the line of the ridge. However, the applicant should consider alternative options which may reduce the overall size and visibility, or which may eliminate the need for the surrounding platform and railings. 

  • • Installing screening to obscure the view of the equipment would not be considered appropriate as this generally makes the equipment appear larger and more visually prominent from the street.

    • The applicant could consider an inset or cut-out area at the rear roof as a strategy to reduce the overall height and visibility of the vent and platform.

    • Alternatively, the applicant can investigate other mechanical systems or strategies which may reduce the overall size/height of the vent or eliminate the need for a surrounding platform. For example, if the vent can be reduced to a single exhaust, like a traditional chimney, that may be preferred. However, the exhaust should not be detailed to replicate the appearance of a traditional chimney and should be as simple as possible, such as clad with metal panels.

• The site plan should be updated to more clearly indicate any proposed changes at the side and rear parking areas and its intended use.

Context Photos:

Current Drawings:

Proposed Walk-Up Pizza Takeaway Drawer:

Proposed Hood Exhaust Vent & Required Platform:

Proposed Rear Roof Changes:

Sanborn Maps:

Newspaper Articles:

HDLC Faubourg Marigny Building Survey:

Street View: