710-12 Belleville St

Description: Installation of decorative iron fencing at front of a Contributing rated, two-story, single-family residential building. Review at the request of the HDLC NO Commission.

HDLC Guidelines: Section 10 page 3 & 5 - HDLC Guidelines for Site Elements

Previous ARC Recommendations:

August 16, 2022 Meeting:

• The ARC recommended conceptual approve with the details to be worked out at the Staff level.

July 19, 2022 Meeting:

• Design should reflect the ornamental elements existing on the house including the metal columns so that the proposed new ornamental fencing elements better reflect the design and style of the house.

• Additional renderings/drawings including details of the fence post locations, gate location and sizes, chain wall, and overall height be provided for review.

Previous Commission Recommendations:

6/1/22: Defer action on this application until the next Commission meeting to provide the chance for the applicant to work with HDLC Staff and HDLC Architectural Review Committee to determine if the proposed iron fencing is appropriate.

Staff Recommendation:

Originally occupied by a large corner store fronting Opelousas Avenue, the current lot at 712 Belleville includes a two-story Craftsman-stylized building constructed between 1909-1937. Recorded as a Doctor's Office on the 1937 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map (see above), the current residence has a deep setback from Opelousas Avenue. This front yard area is currently fenced with incompatible vertical board wood fencing topped with framed lattice. The property owner is petitioning the Commission to remove the existing fencing at the front and right side elevation and install metal fencing on the same footprint. The proposed metal fencing includes applied ornamental detailing, a feature that cannot be approved at the Staff level. Per the HDLC guidelines for site elements, the HDLC discourages, "Elaborate ornamental detailing for metal fences except at high-style homes." The HDLC guidelines also state, under Compatible Design Principles, "The development of each of New Orleans’ neighborhoods followed its own pattern and rhythm. The culture of the City’s early inhabitants is expressed through its architectural and built environment. To continue the evolution of the built environment, the HDLC encourages creative solutions that reflect current design and are sensitive to the character of their historic surroundings." Staff recommends ratification of the ARC's motion for conceptual approval of the metal fencing.

Context Photos:

Proposed Metal Fencing:

Proposed Site Plan:

Sanborn Map:

Street View: