2408 Saint Claude Ave.

Staff Recommendations: 

The applicant noted they intended to maintain all four of the masonry chimneys as part of the overall renovation of the building, and the HDLC approved drawings do not indicate this removal. However, during the course of the work, the fourth and rear-most chimney was demolished without approval and the applicant is not able to provide documentation to verify its condition prior to removal. The HDLC Guidelines note that the rhythm and placement of chimneys typically reflect the interior organization of a building and represent an important building feature that should be preserved. In this case, because the applicant has completed such a thorough and thoughtful renovation of the previously severely deteriorated building, because the removed chimney is far back on the roof with limited visibility from the street, and because the other chimneys were repaired and remain, Staff has no objection to the request for retention.