1914 Esplanade Ave.

Description: Renovation of enclosed porches at left side and rear elevations including the removal of existing wood siding and installation of Hardie Plank at a Significant rated, two-story, single-family residential building. 

Staff Recommendations: 

Constructed in 1882, the Tete Residence at 1914 Esplanade Avenue was the last design and project executed by New Orleans architect, Henry Howard. As seen below in the original floor plans and elevations, the building included a large attached wing for auxiliary purposes. This area of the building is most visible from Bayou Road at the rear of the property. The applicant has proposed removing existing wood siding at the rear elevation of the wing facing Bayou Road and installing Hardie Plank siding. Per the HDLC Guidelines, replacing exterior wood siding with fiber-cement smooth finish siding at Significant-rated buildings requires the review and approval of the HDLC Commission. Additional work to the currently enclosed side and rear balconies will return to the Commission following ARC recommended approval. 

The applicant is requesting the installation of Hardie Plank siding at this elevation due to areas of existing rot and damage as well as the fact that this area receives direct sunlight and weathering. The drawing below indicates that all existing wood trim at this elevation including fascia and corner boards will remain as wood and be repaired as necessary. Wood siding at the other elevations of the attached wing will remain. Because this wall is a tertiary elevation and only visible from Bayou Road, Staff has no objection to the removal of wood siding and installation of Hardie Plank siding with the proviso that the Hardie Plank be smooth finish only and match the exposure of the existing wood siding. 

• Recommendation: No objection. 

Context Photos:

Bayou Road Elevation Drawings: 

Current Drawings:

Original Henry Howard Drawings (1882):

Street View: