1510 Robert C Blakes, SR Dr.

Staff Recommendations: 

In 2023, a CofA and a building permit were issued for the replacement of wood siding in-kind in preparation of painting. A final inspection was done in November of 2023 and several violations were noted. Among these items were the installation of highly visible mini-splits at the right side of the building and a brown shingle roof. The other violations were corrected, though still without any permits. The owner is now requesting retention of the mini-splits and shingle roof, as installed.

Per the Guidelines, installing visually prominent wall mounted equipment on a Landmark building is a Commission appeal and that wall mounted mechanical equipment should be installed in a visually unobtrusive, and rationally organized manner. As the mini-splits did not go through the proper review process, are highly visible, and do not meet the HDLC Guidelines, Staff recommends denial of the retention and recommends relocating the mini-splits with HDLC approval. 

Per the Guidelines, the color of new shingle roofs should be in a range of grays that simulate slate; brown shingles simulate wood and are not appropriate in New Orleans. As this work was done without permits after an HDLC Certificate had already been issued for other work, the building is a designated Landmark, and the shingles are not appropriate, Staff recommends denial of the retention.