3521 Chartres St.

Staff Recommendations: 

Completed in September 2023, 3513 Chartres Street is a two-story residential in-fill building. Part of a larger three-building development, the building occupies the site of a former 1970s commercial warehouse. During the final inspection for the property, several items were noted for being in deviation of the approved plans (see below). There are several minor items that the owner has selected to address at the Staff level. However, work in deviation related to the windows and exterior lighting are being brought before the NO Commission for retention. 

Prior to HDLC approval, the proposal proceeded through the required ARC and Commission review processes. The first retention item involves the left and right side elevation windows. As seen below in the approved plans, the as constructed side elevation windows deviated in their placement, size, and type. At the right-side elevation, second story windows closest to the front of the building are fixed horizontal windows where they were approved as vertically oriented uneven sash single hung windows to match fenestration patterns. This issue also occurred at the left-side elevation where the placement and sizing of certain windows were not followed as per the approved plans. Three (3) fixed horizontal windows were installed with matching header heights where four (4) of the same style and size were to be installed equally spaced above and below one another. In addition, windows of varying styles and sizes were added and omitted at the second story. Although this detail deviates from the approved design, window placement and type at side elevations are minimally visible except at the corner property. In addition, this deviation does not necessarily distract from the contemporary design. Staff has no objection to the retention of the windows as currently installed. 

Throughout the new construction review process, applicants are required to submit additional details for HDLC review and approval prior to purchase and installation. This step is generally reserved for items such as windows, doors, or exterior lighting that might not have been selected at the time of approval. In this instance, the blade-style exterior lighting at the front façade was not submitted for review by HDLC Staff. A total of four (4) were installed at either side wall of the two-story front façade porch. Although contemporary buildings, the blade lighting appears to be intended for an interior space rather than at the exterior of a porch. This observation coupled with the fact that the porch has soffit lighting and hanging gas lanterns creates a situation with too much lighting and too many types. Staff recommends denial of the installed blade-style lighting. The lights could likely be reused at the rear porches where they are not visible from the public right of way.