Color Ratings

[Elliott]

It has been proposed that in rewriting the HDLC guidelines, that we
restructure the current HDLC color rating system. The current color
rating system is as follows:

Purple: Buildings of National Importance. These nationally
important buildings include important works by architects having a
national reputation; buildings or groups of buildings designated as
National Historic Landmarks by the National Park Services; or unique
examples illustrating American architectural development. In addition
to the architectural significance of the buildings in this
classification, they may be associated with historical events or
persons that have national importance. It is of the utmost importance
that these buildings be preserved, be properly maintained, and when
needed be carefully restored.



Blue: Buildings of Major Architectural Importance. Buildings in this
classification include outstanding examples of works by notable
architects or builders; unique or exceptionally fine examples of a
particular style or period when original details remain; buildings
which make up an important, intact grouping or row, even when some of
the buildings within the group have been defaced; and noteworthy
examples of construction techniques when the original fabric of the
building is basically intact. All buildings included in this category
should be preserved, be protected from unsympathetic modifications,
and have original facade treatments properly restored when possible.



Green: Buildings of Architectural or Historical Importance. This
category includes buildings that are typical examples of architectural
styles or types found in New Orleans, when the building retains its
original architectural details and makes a notable contribution to the
over-all character of a particular area of the City. In some cases,
buildings of lesser architectural importance will be included in this
category if they introduce an important keynote to an area or have
specific historical significance related to either an historical event
or person. It is important that buildings covered by this
classification be preserved and when feasible, restored as closely as
possible to their original appearance.



Red: Important Buildings that have been Altered. This category
includes important buildings that have had much of their exterior
architectural details removed or covered. Due to their scale and
basic construction, however, these buildings still make a notable
contribution to the overall character of an area. If a building in
this classification were to be properly restored or renovated, the
rating would automatically be raised. Though placed in a lower
category, the significance of these buildings should not be overlooked
or minimized.



Gold: Buildings that Contribute to the Scene. These buildings
generally date from the late nineteenth century or twentieth century
and are typical examples of an architectural period or style. Though
these buildings are of lesser stylistic importance, and are frequently
quite modest in appearance, they are important to the character of the
area due to scale, materials, and/or increasing age. If a particular
section is to retain its present character, it is important that
examples of buildings in this classification should be preserved as
closely as possible to their original form and character. If the
character of an area is to be changed, a selected number of these
buildings might be worthy candidates for preservation.



Grey or Black: Unrated Buildings. Buildings that have not been given
a specific architectural rating are generally twentieth century
structures that have no real architectural value. Although some of
these buildings have a detrimental impact on the area in which they
are located, others are sympathetic to adjoining buildings due to
their texture, proportions and massing.



We believe that the current system for rating buildings was carried
over from the color rating system used by the Vieux Carre Commission.
Unlike the Vieux Carre, the districts regulated by the HDLC do not
have a clear period of significance, and as such, earlier 20th century
buildings (which carry a Gold rating) are not afforded the same
protection as the late 19th century neighbors. A telling example of
this disparity is the total lack of protection for terra cotta tile
roofs, an important characteristic of many early 20th century
buildings. Hard roof shingles such as slate and tile are only truly
protected on blue and purple rated buildings. Very few buildings of
this age or style carry blue or purple ratings, leaving these
character defining roofs virtually unprotected. In addition, the
current system leaves little room for buildings of the recent past
which are proving to be the most at-risk of our historic resources.
Lastly, the current color rating system adds complexity to an already
complex set of guidelines.



So…It has been recommended that the current system be converted to
three (3) ratings:

Purple & Blue = Significant

Gold, Red, & Green = Contributing

Unrated = Non contributing



This would essentially afford the extra protection required for our
most important buildings and increase protection for our more recent
historic structures, while greatly simplifying the system for the
public.

[James R Amdal]

What do you recommend? Also, I don't plan on attending the meeting next week. I talked with Nicole about this and also about how to handle edits for the draft guidelines. I plan on dropping off my marked up versions Monday morning. Later.
________________________________________
From: hdlcgui...@googlegroups.com [hdlcgui...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Elliott [cepe...@cityofno.com]
Sent: Friday, October 23, 2009 5:13 PM
To: HDLC Design Guideline Advisory Committee
Subject: Color Ratings

[Beth Galante]

Thanks, Elliott - this is actually the first email I'm getting since I was out of town for the first meeting.  Is there a regular weekly meeting?  I'd like to try to get in the loop. 

And thanks for a great awards event last week - it's an honor to be included in such impressive company, and wonderful to see a gathering of so many great projects around town.

Beth

--
Beth Galante
Director
New Orleans Office
Global Green USA
841 Carondelet Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 525-2121 (o)
(504) 525-2122 (f)

[Robert Cangelosi]

Reducing to three ratings is one solution. The other is to upgrade
early twentieth century buildings to green which they should be. The
VCC for the longest had Eastlake shotguns rated Yellow; they were
eventually raised to Green. I like the consistency of ratings between
the VCC and HDLC. If both change, then fine.
Robby

[Tarah Arcuri]

The Louisiana Landmarks Society Board comments on proposed change:

Susan Kierr and Susan Couvillon: Agree with the proposed change of the
code as it would be simpler than the current one.

Best,

SUSAN LLOYD McCLAMROCH
PITOT HOUSE DIRECTOR
1440 Moss Street
New Orleans, LA 70119
504-482-0312
smccl...@louisianalandmarks.org

-----Original Message-----
From: hdlcgui...@googlegroups.com
[mailto:hdlcgui...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Elliott
Sent: Friday, October 23, 2009 5:13 PM
To: HDLC Design Guideline Advisory Committee
Subject: Color Ratings

So.It has been recommended that the current system be converted to three