2222 Chartres St.

District: Faubourg Marigny - Full Control

Owner: Brian R Ace

HDLC Staff: Dennis Murphy

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Lone Wolf Renovations

HDLC Guidelines:

Section 10, Pages 1-6 of the Guidelines for Site Elements state that Fences constructed prior to the 1850s at front yards in New Orleans were typically wood picket fences, typically 4’-0” to 5’-0” in height, some very elaborately designed. Beginning in the 1850s, cast iron became more prevalent and provided a much longer lifespan than wood. The casting of metal into molds allowed fences and gates to be made of highly elaborate and detailed patterns. Wrought iron tends to be used for simple, slender pickets. One of the advantages of iron fencing is that it is visually “thinner” than wood, increasing the view of the front of the building from the public right of way. Taller and highly elaborate fences were often installed at grand, high-style homes, while simple, low wrought iron fences were often installed at simpler houses like shotguns. Most buildings in the Faubourg Marigny are built at the front property line and very close together, typically without front yards. In cases where front yards are present, either a simple low wood or metal picket fence would be appropriate. The HDLC Guidelines discourage the removal of existing historic fences that are in good condition. However, if replacement is warranted, the HDLC requires they be historically consistent in style with the type and style of the main building with metal fencing being either wrought or cast iron with metal pickets punched through horizontal rails rather than welded to the face.

Staff Recommendations:

The applicant has noted they would like to replace the existing iron fencing at the front yard of the property with new taller iron fencing to match the previous due to its deteriorated condition and to provide additional site security. The applicant plans to remove the existing fencing and install new taller fencing with a wider vehicle access gate. The overall fence design will be replicated, including the location of the posts, and the applicant has confirmed it will be constructed of new solid metal pickets punched through horizontal members with appropriate spikes, locks and bolts. However, the existing historic fencing appears to be in fair to good overall condition and the HDLC Guidelines discourage the removal of historic fencing. Based on this, Staff recommends the Commission vote to deny the request and recommends the applicant continue to work with Staff on an alternative proposal that modifies the existing fencing rather than replacing it to achieve the desired height and security. 

• Recommendation: Denial