800 Homer Plessy Way

District: Faubourg Marigny - Full Control

Owner: The New Orleans Center For Creative Arts Institute

HDLC Staff: Dennis Murphy

Rating: Non-Contributing

Applicant: Studio Rise LLC

Permit #: 24-10389-HDLC

Description: Retention of installation of a 200 SF pre-manufactured garden shed accessory structure in deviation of a Certificate of Appropriateness.

HDLC Design Guidelines:

12: 20-21– Guidelines for New Construction, Additions and Demolition

Retention Items:

Pre-Manufactured Accessory Shed without CofA: No Objection with the proviso that shed is painted, roof shingles are replaced, and simple planted screening is installed

Staff Recommendations:

The applicant originally applied to build a new covered accessory garden structure to support the activities at this active community garden. Based on the size and simple, contemporary detailing of the proposed pergola, the application was reviewed and approved at the staff level in April 2023.

In March 2024, the applicant contacted Staff to note the contractor may have deviated slightly from the approved design and detailing at the pergola structure. HDLC reviewed the changes at this time and confirmed that they were minor and appeared to be consistent with the overall approved plans. However, it was noted that a second pre-manufactured utility shed had been installed adjacent to the pergola without approval and that this was not considered appropriate for the overall site or surrounding historic district.

The pre-manufactured shed is quite large and tall, and features an inappropriate gambrel-style roof with 3-tab asphalt roof shingles, wood-grained vertical board siding similar to T1-11, and a contemporary flush-mounted vinyl ribbon window with inappropriate trim and sills. While the structure clearly reads as an accessory to the overall use of the site as a garden, its form, location, and appearance are not consistent with the HDLC Guidelines or consistent with the contemporary architectural language developed for the overall site and the other built elements.

Since the previous meeting, the applicant has confirmed they are amenable to modifying some of the exterior elements to bring the overall accessory into better compliance with the HDLC Guidelines. Based on this, Staff has no objection to the request for retention with the proviso that that the roof is replaced with an appropriate architectural grade asphalt shingle, the building is painted to match the muted gray of the adjacent structures, and with some kind of simple screening installed (such as fast-growing potted plants or a simple green screen similar to the current site fencing) to help better integrate it into the site and to further obscure it's view from the public right of way.

Case History & Previous Commission Actions:

05/01/24: The Commission voted to defer action on this application until the next meeting so the applicant can consider additional architectural solutions to better integrate the accessory building into the overall site.
04/18/24: Applicant confirms that owner would like to retain shed without changes. Accessory structure and retention application submitted.
03/06/24: Applicant contacted Staff to note that some minor design changes may have been implemented by contractor at the site. Photos provided appear to generally match the previously approved drawings, however, it is noted that a pre-manufactured accessory shed was installed without a permit or CofA.
04/24/23: CofA issued.
04/10/23: Application submitted for new construction of 240 SF garden accessory structure.

Context Photos:

Previous Condition

Current Condition

Current Proposed Accessory Shed Modifications:

Proposed modifications include painting shed to match adjacent structures, replacing the roof shingles, and installing simple planted screening

Previously Approved Drawings - 04/24/23:

HDLC Approved__23_0406 Press Street Garden - Permit Set.pdf

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