1139-1141 Ursulines Ave.

Staff Recommendations: 

On October 6, 2023 an application was filed for door and window restoration, the addition of two rear skylights, and general renovation. The scope included partial roof reframing in conjunction with the skylight installation. On November 17, 2023 the HDLC was notified that there was a general concern about the roof framings integrity. HDLC reached out to the applicant in order to understand the concerns. HDLC Staff discussed the importantance of sistering new members to the existing wood framing.

On March 20, 2024 HDLC performed a visual inspection and noted that the roof structure had been completely removed and a Stop Work was issued.  HDLC Staff reached out to the applicant in order to get photo documentation of the conditions that would necessitate reframing.  

HDLC Staff received a phone call on March 25, 2024 from the neighbor.  The caller wanted to discuss the current Stop Work. In the course of the phone call, the neighbor mentioned a fire that had occurred in the early 1980s and reframing work that had happened. HDLC Staff then located the paper file for 1139 Ursulines. In the paper file, there was documentation from March 16, 1981 that a fire had occurred. In the inspection photos from 1981, it does not appear that the roof was fully compromised. However, the current contractor was able to submit photo documentation that had been taken prior to the roof demolition of the existing roof framing. The photos showed a significant portion of the roof framing still had charred members at the Ursulines and Henriette Delille sides of the building. The rear of the building roof had been substandardly reframed with dimensional lumber and plywood. Where previous sistering had occurred, it also appeared to have been improperly installed with rafters cut and 1x material sandwiching the members. 

HDLC Staff believes that the amount of damage and poor execution of repairs did in fact require a full roof demolition with subsequent reframing. However, the applicant failed to properly notify HDLC Staff prior to the demolition but did properly document the conditions with photos. For the aforementioned reasons, Staff recommends approval of the retention of 100% roof demolition and a Tier 1 fine.