2721 St Claude Ave.

District: Faubourg Marigny - Full Control

Owner: 2721 St Claude LLC

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Kimberly Finney

HDLC Guidlines:

Section 5, Page 5 of the Guidelines for Roofing state that metal roofs were popularized after sheet metal production was expanded following the mid 19th century, and can be found on commercial and industrial buildings, as well as residences and outbuildings. Traditional sheet roofing metals include lead, copper, zinc, tin plate, tern plate and galvanized iron. Many metal roofs require regular painting with traditional colors including silver, grey or green to minimize the potential for corrosion. On shallow pitch roofs like galleries, porches, cupolas or domes, small rectangular pieces of flat seam metal roofing were installed with edges crimped together and soldered to form a weather-tight surface. On steeper pitched roofs, long continuous seams were used, typically in a standing seam configuration, providing regular ridges down roof slopes. Corrugated or other paneled metal roofing was also common on commercial and industrial buildings as well as outbuildings, such as sheds and garages. Metal roofs are typically not appropriate for highly visible roof slopes or where the original roofing material would have been slate, especially on higher style buildings. Metal roofs may be considered for installation where minimally visible.

Staff Recommendation:

• Standing Seam Metal Roof: Denial

Staff Recommendations:

The applicant is requesting to remove the existing asphalt shingle roof for installation of new standing seam metal roofing in a galvalume finish. Based on FEMA survey research, the current raised-basement building appears to have been constructed sometime between 1860 and1870 and was was likely elevated at some point between 1908 and 1937. Based on the height of the building and the adjacent open parking lot, the roof is highly visible from both directions of travel along St. Claude Avenue, including a portion of Dutch-gable roofing at the front elevation. While the original roof material is not known, it was likely slate based on the age and style of the building. Ridge tiles are not currently present on the roof. As per the HDLC Guidelines, metal roofs are typically not appropriate for highly visible roof slopes or where the original roof material would have been slate, especially on higher style buildings. Based on these factors, Staff recommends the Commission vote to deny the request for new standing seam metal roofing. However, if approval is granted, Staff recommends a proviso that the metal roofing be specified in a dark color and with a less reflective finish.