707 Louisa St.

Staff Recommendations: 

707 Louisa is estimated to have been constructed between 1870 and 1880, according to the FEMA Survey, and first appears on the 1908 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map. The HDLC maintains a pre-approved list of roofing brands and colors designed to simulate the shapes, colors, and variegated appearance of slate without attempting to replicate its exact look. This list is regularly updated to include new brands, shingle types, and colors. Typically, asphalt shingles should serve as a subordinate architectural element rather than a focal point of the historic structure.

The applicant is requesting retention of an unapproved roof color that was installed without a CofA. Had a permit been obtained, the applicant could have selected a brand and color from the HDLC-approved list. However, staff acknowledges the applicant’s effort to reinstall the ridge tiles and notes that the color is not significantly different from an HDLC-approved option. Therefore, staff recommends approval, with the proviso that any future roof replacement use an HDLC-approved brand and color.

Staff Recommendations: Approval with the proviso that any future roof replacement use an HDLC-approved brand and color.