4224 Saint Claude Ave.

Staff Recommendations: 

Constructed in ca. 1920, 4224 St. Claude Avenue is a camelback residential building that has maintained its reserved detailing . Listed as "apartments" on the 1937 Sanborn Map, it is likely that the building was constructed for this use, including the detached two-story building at the rear of the lot. Currently, the property owner is working with Rebuilding Together New Orleans to make much needed repairs to the roof and siding. An HDLC Certificate of Appropriateness (CofA) (#24-11466) was issued for this scope of work (see below). Part of this work also includes updating mechanical systems and equipment. The proposal is for the removal of window air conditioning units and installation of mini-split HVAC equipment. 

The proposed location at the right-side elevation (shown below in red) falls under the third window. Although 10'0" back from the front wall, the proposed location is considered visually prominent given the buildings location on St. Claude Ave. and the spacing between the adjacent lots. Based on previously approved installations, the proposed location cannot be approved by Staff. The applicant has expressed that other locations were considered but the proposed location is the only one that is viable. Staff cannot recommend approval of the proposed location due to the overall visibility of the wall-mounted equipment. If a gate and fencing or fencing could be installed at 7'0" in height at this elevation, that could provide screening for the equipment.