On May 7, the New Orleans Historic District Landmarks Commission discussed the construction of a new one-story accessory event space adjacent to the Magnolia Mansion, a landmark building at 2127 Prytania St. in the Garden District. In April, the Architectural Review Committee reviewed the plans and recommended approval of the design concept, meaning the HDLC staff will still work out the details. The project, designed by CICADA architecture firm, is using state and federal historic tax credits and has already been reviewed by the Louisiana State Historic Preservation Office and National Park Service. Several nearby residents and members of the relevant neighborhood associations expressed appreciation that the mansion was being restored but requested to defer the application to allow time for more discussion between neighbors and the developers. Some specific concerns raised are related to aspects of the project that are outside of the HDLC’s jurisdiction, including quality of life issues like parking. Ultimately, a majority of commissioners voted 7-3 to approve the conceptual design.
The commission overturned the ARC’s decision to defer an application to renovate 3420 Burgundy St. in Bywater, which included a side addition that is larger than what HDLC guidelines allow. Since the house is set back on a double lot, commissioners found that the side addition will likely be visually less impactful than a camelback and unanimously voted to approve the appeal.
Demolition was approved for 1815 Kerlerec St. and 2909 Maurepas St., both located in the Esplanade Ridge Historic District. In both instances, HDLC staff recommended approval due to the poor condition of each home. The motion to approve the demolition of the Kerlerec Street property, a circa 1850 Creole cottage, included a proviso that the owner salvage select architectural elements.
The commission denied the application to demolish a home at 4719 Tchoupitoulas St. in the Uptown Historic District following HDLC staff’s assessment that the building appeared to be in good structural condition.
Also Uptown, the commission voted 7-3 to deny an application that would enclose the porch at 247 Pine St., part of a plan to enlarge the house and combine it with the neighboring building. HDLC staff noted that approval of a porch enclosure would be a first for the commission and could shift precedent. Encapsulating of a porch falls under the HDLC’s definition of demolition because it can significantly impact the character of a building.
