700 Pelican Ave.

Staff Recommendations: 

Constructed in ca. 1885, 700 Pelican Avenue is a two-story frame residential building situated on the corner lot at the convergence of Pelican Avenue and Vallette Street. In early 2023 an HDLC CofA (permit #23-00573) was issued for the repair and replacement of existing wood siding and trim. Following a final inspection in March 2024 it was noted that a left-side elevation entry door was replaced and a new awning was installed. The door and awning were not reviewed and/or approved by the HDLC and do not meeting the HDLC guidelines. The applicant is seeking retention of both items. 

Located at what was once a one-story porch at the rear, the currently installed door and awning are too modern and not compatible with the building. The previously installed door was a 9-lite vinyl door that received retention approval in 2009 (see photograph below). The currently installed door deviates much farther from the HDLC guidelines than the door that was granted retention. Unfortunately, the HDLC guidelines for doors depicts the door that is currently installed as an example of prohibited doors. Although located at a secondary elevation the door is still visible from the public right of way. Staff recommends denial of retention of the currently installed door. 

The HDLC does allow for the installation of awnings at doors where protection is necessary. Approved awnings are typically wood or metal and detailed to complement the historic nature of the building. The currently installed awning is a metal frame with plastic roof material. These prefabricated-type awnings are generally not approved and a wooden awning as per the HDLC detail (see below) is more appropriate for the building. Staff recommends denial of the awning.