3330 Saint Claude Ave.

Description: Renovation of a Non-Contributing rated, two-story, commercial building including installation of new egress door openings at primary façade and construction of a new 1,940 SF rooftop extension.

HDLC Design Guidelines:

Section 11, Pages 10-11 of the Guidelines for Commercial Buildings state that making changes to storefronts or installing new storefronts can be a costly endeavor, which if not properly planned, might negatively impact a business. When contemplating storefront work, the HDLC recommends:

• Identify key historic elements  in the existing storefront or building style to determine what might be appropriate.

• Locate structural supports to inform where openings, such as windows and doors can be installed.

• Review other storefronts at other historic buildings. Existing storefronts can provide information about the size, location and pattern of doors and windows; the types of materials used; the design of the elements including the display windows, doors, bulkheads and cornice; and the detailing and proportions of the components.

• The new storefront design should be compatible in size, pattern, scale, material and color with the overall building and similar storefronts from the period. The elements of the design should be considered holistically and should not include elements from multiple buildings and styles.

Section 12, Pages 12-13 of the Guidelines for New Construction, Additions and Demolition, state that all applications for Rooftop Additions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The architectural treatment of the proposed addition should be compatible and unobtrusive so that the addition does not detract from the architecture of the existing building or the surrounding historic district. If allowable by the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and appropriate at the specific site, the HDLC uses specific design standards to review proposals for rooftop additions. The HDLC: 

• Strives to make all rooftop additions, elevator and mechanical equipment, and furnishings as unobtrusive or minimally visible from the public way as possible.

• Limits the overall height of rooftop additions, including framing and parapet, to 12’-0” above the lowest surface of the existing roof, except for code-required components, such as elevator overrides.

• Requires that rooftop additions be set back from the street façades of the building by a minimum of 1.5 times the overall height of the proposed addition inclusive of extended awnings and trellises, (i.e., a 12’-0” high rooftop addition with an awning should be set back from the street wall a minimum of 18’-0” to the awning edge).

• Requires that rooftop additions incorporate elevator equipment, mechanical equipment and HVAC equipment within the single story, allowable rooftop addition footprint.

• Requires that all furnishings including railings, screens, planters, plants, and permanent rooftop furnishings taller than the closest parapet be setback from the street wall(s) a minimum of 1.5 times the height of the proposed furnishing from the lowest roof surface.

Previous ARC & Staff Recommendations: 

06/18/24: The ARC voted to recommend conceptual approval with the final details to be worked out at the Staff level. The ARC also agreed that:

• The proposed roof extension is appropriate for the existing Non-Contributing rated building.

• The proposed garage door should be reduced slightly in width such that the existing wall dimension at the left and right windows is replicated between the windows and garage door. The garage door should also be centered to align with the 2nd floor window mullion above.

• Staff Recommendation: Approval

Context Photos:

Current Drawings:

HDLC Bywater Historic Building Survey:

Street View: