1435-1439 Pauger St.

District: Faubourg Marigny - Full Control

Owner: Nathalie I. Jordi

HDLC Staff: Dennis Murphy

Rating: Significant

Applicant: Practis LLC

Permit #: 25-23940-HDLC 

HDLC Design Guidelines: 

Chapter 5, Page 10 of the Guidelines for Roofing state that the City of New Orleans encourages solar panels for space heating, hot water and electricity.  However, in historic districts, property owners are encouraged to locate solar collectors where they are minimally visible or hidden from public view.  Solar collectors shall be located as far back from the front of the building wall as possible, and a minimum of 10’-0” from the front building wall. When visible, the HDLC recommends using products and installation methods that allow the panels to blend with their surroundings. Examples include the use of black panels on black mounts, rectangular array configurations and thin film panels installed on standing seam metal roofs. The HDLC requires that solar collectors must be:

• Minimum 10’ from street facing wall

• Minimum 12” from roof eave and ridge

• Rectangular and contiguous arrangement

• Low profile racking system

• Rails do not extend more than 3” past panel

• Minimally visible conduit

• Black racking and frame, low contrast panels

Chapter 8, Pages 1-3 and 8-9 of the Guidelines for Windows and Doors state that windows act as the "eyes" of a building and that their associated shutters, trim, and other features are important elements of a historic building because they help define the building type, architectural style, and help define the character of the building and streetscape. When new or replacement windows are necessary, they must  match the size, shape. configuration, type, operation, materials, muntin pattern, dimensions, profiles, and detailing of the existing window and opening as closely as feasible. It is also recommended to install quality replacement wood windows at less visible areas while retaining and reusing all serviceable trim, hardware, or other components.

Staff Recommendations: 

Roof-Mounted Solar Panels:

The applicant is requesting to install two new roof-mounted solar arrays at the upper roof area of the building. Under the current proposal, the new solar panels are appropriately set back more than 10'-0" from the front building wall, maintain the minimum 1'-0" setbacks from all roof ridges and eaves, will utilize a low-profile black racking and frame system with low-contrast panels, are organized in rectangular and contiguous arrangements, and will have minimally visible conduit. However, because the building is Significant-rated, the request must be reviewed and approved by the Commission.

While the right-side gable roof area is considered visually prominent from Kerlerec Street, the overall proposal is consistent with the HDLC Design Guidelines. Based on this, staff has no objection to the request for solar panel installation.

• Staff Recommendation: No Objection

Window Changes:

The applicant is also requesting to remove the existing central wood louvered vent at the lower front gable to replace it with a new clear glass wood window that matches the size and shape of the existing opening. Additionally, the applicant is requesting to remove one existing double-hung window at the first floor on the right side to replace it with a new paired casement window within an enlarged opening.

The ARC reviewed these proposed changes at the December 16, 2025 meeting and recommended conceptual approval, with final details to be worked out at the Staff level. The ARC also noted that right-side Window Option B was preferred and that the new casement windows should be detailed to match the existing double-hung windows, including the meeting rail dimensions. Based on this, staff has no objection to the requested window changes, provided the ARC recommendations are followed.

• Staff Recommendation: No Objection