2470-2472 Royal St.

Description: Construction of new 1,200 SF camelback addition at rear of a Contributing rated, one-story, two-family residential building.

HDLC Guidelines: 

Section 12, Pages 14-19 of the Guidelines for New Construction, Additions and Demolition state that except for camelbacks, most residential additions expand the footprint of an existing building by constructing more space at the rear or side of an existing building. If appropriately designed, additions to existing buildings can provide increased space while maintaining the historic character of the original building and streetscape. In conformance with The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, an addition to a historic building should be subordinate to the historic building and read clearly as an addition. The subordinate appearance of an addition can be achieved through its scale, form, massing, materials and details. Additions to existing properties should not obscure damage or destroy significant architectural material and should be compatible with the design of the property, as well as the neighborhood. Whenever possible, additions should be constructed in a manner that, if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the existing building would be intact. When constructing additions to existing buildings, property owners are encouraged to consider the integrity of the existing building and its historic significance. Similar to the principles for new construction, additions should not duplicate historic building details, but should be visually compatible. The HDLC also requires:

• The preservation of the cohesive ambiance of historic buildings and neighborhoods with compatible, sympathetic construction.

• Compatible siting, proportion, scale, form, materials, fenestration, roof configuration, details and finishes at all additions.

• Construction of additions at secondary elevations wherever possible, subordinate to the historic building, and compatible with the design of the property and surrounding neighborhood.

• Construction of additions so that historic building fabric is not radically changed, obscured, damaged, or destroyed.

• Staff Recommendation: Approval

Previous ARC Recommendations: 

01/23/24: The ARC voted to recommend conceptual approval of the Preferred Option (without inset camelback walls) with the provisos noted below and with the final details to be worked out at the Staff level. The ARC agreed the Alternate Option is not recommended for approval. The ARC also agreed that:

• The Preferred Option must include standard (non-fire rated windows) at the two front camelback openings.

• The proposed fire-rated windows may be acceptable at the left and right-side camelback elevations because they are not highly visible and only seen obliquely. However, all new fire-rated windows must be detailed to be properly recess mounted with standard exterior wood trim to ensure minimal visibility of the window units. 

• A 1-over-1 window configuration is acceptable at the new camelback window openings only, given the proposed window units do not have an approvable simulated divided light option.

12/19/23: The ARC voted to defer the application for additional review. The ARC noted the setbacks indicated on the proposed site plan on Sheet 1.10 are incorrect and do not match the site survey provided on Sheet 1.2. A setback of less than 3’-0” at the left and right sides will likely impact the overall building massing and the amount of fenestration possible at the side elevations. The ARC also agreed that:

• The applicant should update the site plan and adjust the proposal, as necessary, to comply with the setback requirement or obtain the necessary waivers, so the ARC can better understand the proposed exterior massing and window sizes and locations.

• The shutters at the front camelback windows are too wide and should be revised or eliminated.

• The camelback windows should be adjusted to be slightly taller and more vertical in proportion. 

• The 2nd floor window closest to the rear of the building on the left side should be shifted forward slightly and away from the building corner.

Context Photos:

Current Drawings:

Proposed Fire Rated Single-Hung Window Specifications & Details:

Zoning & State Fire Marshall Correspondence - Submitted by Applicant:

Previously Reviewed Drawings - 12/19/23:

Sanborn Maps & Overhead Views:

HDLC Faubourg Marigny Building Survey:

Street View:

Written Public Comment: