2416 Division St.

District: Irish Channel - Full Control

Owner: 2417-19 Rousseau LLC

HDLC Staff: Wendy Cargile

Rating: Unrated 

Applicant: Seth Welty

Permit #: 24-10077-HDLC 

HDLC Design Guidelines: 

Section 12, Pages 1-11 of the Guidelines for New Construction, Additions and Demolition, state that when new construction is compatible, it has a positive and revitalizing impact on a neighborhood and the city as a whole. Compatible new construction can preserve the neighborhood by enhancing the historic, architectural, and cultural features of a historic property. In many cases, the most successful new buildings are those that are clearly contemporary designs but compatible with the character of neighboring properties. Building designers are encouraged to consider New Orleans’ unique and wide range of existing historic building types, styles, and detailing. When reviewing new construction, the HDLC requires: 

• The preservation of the cohesive ambiance of the local Historic District through compatible, sympathetic construction.

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

• Maintaining the appropriate historic contextual setting within the surrounding neighborhood.

• Use of materials and techniques that are compatible with the surrounding neighborhood.

Previous ARC & Staff Recommendations: 

04/16/24: The ARC voted to recommend conceptual approval with the final details to be worked out at the Staff level. The ARC also agreed that:

• The proposal is an interesting new infill construction relative to the adjacent existing context. 

• The proposed building form with an “eroded” ground floor and cantilevered 2nd floor above is considered an appropriate strategy for this property to accommodate the new building and required off-street parking due to the unusually narrow width of the lot.

• The building appears to be somewhat closed-off from the street at the first floor of the front elevation. The ARC recommended increasing the porosity, so it appears a bit more open, such as by adding a sidelight to the front entry door.

• The large window at the front of the building is a great feature, but the applicant should consider how solar light and heat gain may affect the interior in terms of how the window is eventually treated. The ARC recommended considering strategies for integrated screening that are consistent with the overall building materials and detailing so the window can remain as visually transparent as possible from the street. 

• The wing wall at the right side of the building appears too thin and should be increased in width or brought down more to the porch stair below so that the corner is more anchored.

  • • An opening in the wall could also be introduced at the first floor to help increase the overall visual porosity and openness of this area.

• Additional window openings should be added to the right-side elevation, particularly toward the front of the building.

• The applicant should further refine the proposed fence design and consider how it will operate. A sliding or telescoping type operation may be appropriate.  

• Staff Recommendation: Approval