922 Kerlerec St.

Description: Renovation and camelback addition to an existing Contributing (but altered) one-story, two-family residential building including reconfiguration of the front elevation.

HDLC Guidelines: 

Section 12, Pages 12, 14-19 of the Guidelines for New Construction, Additions and Demolition state that traditionally designed camelbacks at wood framed shotgun buildings are not subject to the review requirements for rooftop additions, however, they must be compatible with the existing building. The second story of camelbacks were traditionally set back at least two historic rooms from the front building wall. When reviewing applications for additions, the HDLC requires: 

• The importance of maintaining the historic integrity of the structure.

• The contribution of the addition to the character of the area and respect for the design and context of the building and its streetscape.

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

• Significance of the building or site.

• The architectural treatment of the proposed addition and its compatibility with the existing building should not be obtrusive or detract from the architecture of the existing building or the surrounding local Historic District, streetscape or adjacent building.

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

Section 03, Page 18 of the Guidelines for Architectural Styles state that at properties where modifications have been made over time, those changes, particularly those made before the mid-20th century, may have become significant character-defining features of its development. By contrast, more recent changes, particularly those with inappropriate materials or details, often compromise historic integrity. When considering alterations to a historic property, identifying the building type and style is a critical first step in ensuring a successfuly result. The HDLC encourages the removal of inappropraite later changes to make buildings and properties more historically appropriate.

Previous ARC Recommendations: 

04/18/23: The ARC voted to recommend conceptual approval of the proposed camelback addition with the final details of the updated façade to return for additional ARC review. The ARC also agreed that:

• Because the historic building has been so altered by the removal of the original front room and façade, the proposed brackets, shake gable siding, and 6/2 windows may be too historic in detailing. The applicant should reconsider the front elevation, and the ARC noted this may be an opportunity for a more contemporary vocabulary and material palette to better reflect the quirky history and other changes at the site. For example:

  • • The existing wood gable screen could be reimagined in a new material or configuration, such as a board and batten. 

    • Windows could utilize plate glass, so they are more contemporary in appearance.

• The current building does not appear to relate to the existing context due to its setback and the applicant should consider additional façade options and iterations, such as a half-porch, so the building can engage more with the street. The ARC noted this could also be achieved by interventions which maintain the existing front yard parking, such as a small balcony or Juliette-balcony or by extending out the sidewalls or gable roof of the existing building.

• An additional 1-2 window openings should be added to the camelback level on the left side. 

Context Photos:

Current Drawings:

Sanborn Map:

HDLC Marigny Building Survey:

Street View: