1705-1707 Louisa St.

Staff Recommendations: 

The applicant originally received approval to complete an interior and exterior renovation of the building including removal of a previously existing rear metal access stair for replacement with a new wood stair at the same location. Because this previous stair existed for over ten years without citation, it was considered a permitted non-conformity, and the replacement was approved at the staff level. However, the applicant instead relocated the access stair and constructed a new second-floor rear deck without approval, which is visible from Louisa and N Derbingy Streets. 

The HDLC Guidelines note that the design and detailing of new projecting elements such as balconies and galleries must be compatible with the existing building, must not damage, conceal or destroy important architectural features or details, and that decks are generally not permitted where visible from the public right of way. While the new rear deck is visible from the surrounding streets, the building is Non-Contributing rated, has been fully renovated and rehabilitated, the handrails appear to be appropriately detailed, and the new wood stair appears more appropriate for the surrounding district than the previous utilitarian metal stair. Based on these factors, Staff has no objection to the request for retention of the rear deck and stair.