2724 St Claude Ave.

Staff Recommendations: 

Construction of 655 SF rear addition: 

In December 2022, HDLC Staff observed work at the building without a permit or CofA and posted a Stop Work Order. Subsequently, the applicant has applied for retention approval for the new addition and other exterior changes already completed. The ARC reviewed the as-built addition and voted to recommend conceptual approval with the final details to be worked out at the Staff level. No other modifications were recommended by the ARC at that time. Based on this, Staff recommends the Commission vote to ratify the ARC recommendation for conceptual approval and to grant approval for the retention of the new addition as-constructed. 

Removal of (1) masonry chimney: 

The applicant noted that one masonry chimney at the rear roof of the building was removed due to damage and deterioration following Hurricane Ida. However, documentation related to the condition of the chimney has not been submitted, so Staff is unable to verify whether or not the chimney was deteriorated or structurally deficient to warrant its removal. The rhythm and placement of chimneys typically reflect the internal organization of a building and represent an important exterior building feature. Removal of historic chimneys is only approved by the HDLC if they are structurally deficient. While HDLC Staff does not condone the removal of  historic chimneys without approval, this exterior architectural feature has been fully removed and reproducing historic masonry chimneys can be difficult, cost-prohibitive and lead to other issues such as flashing and water intrusion at the roof. Based on this, Staff has no objection to the retention request.

Removal of roof ridge tiles and installation of standing seam metal roofing: 

The applicant began the process of removing the previously existing English-V roof ridge tiles and asphalt roof shingles for installation of new standing seam metal roofing, and metal roofing is currently installed at all roof slopes located behind the primary side gable roofline. The applicant has confirmed they will not install standing seam metal roofing at this front, more visually prominent area of roof, and will instead install asphalt shingles with ridge tiles reinstalled along the ridge. While Staff does not condone the removal of the ridge tiles at the rear area of the roof, because this proposed strategy would limit the new standing seam metal to only the rear portions of the building with less visibility and would restore the previous asphalt shingle roof and tiles at the highly visible, historic portion of the building, Staff has no objection to the request to retain the standing seam metal roof as installed.