District: Mid-City - Partial Control
Owner: Burk and Associates Inc
HDLC Staff: Wendy Cargile
Rating: Landmark
Applicant: Alexa Wilken
Permit #: 23-23557-HDLC
Description: Install new chiller rack at the rear of a Landmark, four-story, commercial building.
Staff Recommendation:
The applicant is requesting to install a new chiller rack 9'-6" in height so that it matches the height of the lowest stair platform for access and so that the two parking spaces will be able to be retained. While Staff, has no objection to the location of the chiller rack at the rear of the building, the details do not meet the Guidelines. The proposal to have the chiller rack 9'-6" tall makes the new HVAC equipment highly visible and makes the required screening futile. As this building is a Landmark and the Guidelines do not support the proposal, Staff recommends denial of the application as proposed. Staff recommends the applicant look into placing the chiller rack at the required base-flood-elevation (3'-0") with appropriate screening or considers placing the new HVAC equipment on the rear of the roof, where other equipment is already existing.
Recommendation: Denial, as proposed. Recommend exploring other options.