631-33 Saint Ferdinand St.

District: Faubourg Marigny - Full Control

Owner: Kfca LLC

HDLC Staff: Dennis Murphy

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Studio Kiro

Permit #: 24-35632-HDLC

Description: Retention of change in window header heights as part of a renovation and camelback addition at a Contributing rated, one-story, two-family residential building in deviation of a Certificate of Appropriateness.

HDLC Design Guidelines:

08: 1, 8 – Guidelines for Windows & Doors
12: 17, 19 – Guidelines for New Construction, Additions and Demolition

Retention Items:

Change of Window Header Heights: No Objection

Staff Recommendations:

The applicant originally received approval to renovate the existing building and construct a new rear camelback addition. However, it appears that some structural framing and interior floor height issues were discovered during construction that resulted in the contractor completing some exterior window opening changes that were not reviewed or approved by the HDLC in advance. These changes have resulted in several new camelback window openings not aligning across the elevations at the left and right sides.

The HDLC Guidelines note that the fenestration of additions must be compatible in type, rhythm, proportion, and vertical alignment with adjacent existing historic windows, and the header heights of new window openings are generally required to align with themselves and adjacent existing windows to further reinforce this visual relationship and compatibility.

Because the applicant has clarified the interior conditions that have caused the exterior window opening deviations, because these framing and floor height conditions do not appear to be easily mitigated to allow for the previously approved exterior window alignments, and because the left side elevation has very limited visibility from the street, Staff has no objection to the request for retention of winder header height deviations at the left and right sides.

Case History:

12/04/24: December Commission hearing postponed due to issue with public notice deadline.
11/22/24: Application submitted for retention of window header height deviations at left and right side elevations.
11/04/24: Applicant agrees to reset windows in wall depth to match recess mounted installation of existing wood windows, to remove all half-screens, and to remove Hardie window trim for replacement with standard wood window trim.
10/21/24: HDLC Inspector observes installation of inappropriate windows and trim, as well as window opening header heights in deviation of the approved drawings. Applicant is notified.
12/02/22: Certificate of Appropriateness issued for renovation and new construction of a 1,150 SF camelback addition.