805-811 Franklin Ave. & 2601 Dauphine St.

Description: Renovation of two (2) Contributing rated two-story mixed-use buildings including demolition of a Non-Contributing rated one-story portion for new infill construction of a one-story structure with new storefront. Work includes installation of visually prominent roof-mounted vent and platform. 

HDLC Design 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.

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.

• Staff Recommendation: Approval

Previous ARC Recommendations: 

01/23/24: The ARC voted to recommend conceptual approval with the final details to be worked out at the Staff level. The ARC also agreed the proposed exterior tile material selection and façade composition are interesting and appropriate for the infill portion of new construction between the existing historic buildings. The ARC also noted the proposed roof-mounted vent and platform are sized as minimally as possible to meet the updated mechanical code requirements, and the proposed location is preferred over it being located on the opposite side of the roof ridge.

Context Photos:

Current Drawings:

Proposed New Roof-Mounted Hood Exhaust Vent & Platform:

Sanborn Maps & Overhead View:

1st Floor Floor-To-Ceiling Height Reduced - circa 1953:

HDLC Faubourg Marigny Building Survey:

Street View: