The Natchitoches Historic District Commission considered a number of renovation, signage, demolition and property improvement requests during its Sept. 8 meeting.
The commission approved an application from Citibank and Trust for renovations and a new sign at 146 St. Denis Street. Representatives said the bank had been working on the sign update for approximately eight to nine months.
The original application called for an 18-by-37-foot sign on the brick wall behind the bank. After discussions with the bank and the commission, the proposed sign was reduced to 14 by 17 feet. The sign will be centered on the existing wall between St. Denis and Horn streets.
Representatives said the sign incorporates elements representing Natchitoches history and the community, including the bank’s history, nearby historic landmarks, the Christmas Festival and the movie “Steel Magnolias.”
One commissioner said the application was submitted July 26, before the City Council passed its moratorium concerning murals. The commissioner said the sign could be viewed as a mural but ultimately moved to approve the application. The motion passed without opposition.
The commission then considered improvements at 123 St. Denis Street, known as Taylor Park.
The commission approved existing wrought-iron fencing and lighting at the park. Henry Taylor said the wrought-iron pieces used at the front of the park were original pieces that had been repurposed.
The commission also discussed the park’s existing stage, fencing and portable storage building. Commissioners said they did not object to having a stage in the park but expressed concerns about the materials and styling of the existing structure.
Taylor agreed to look at painting and sealing the stage and potentially adding greenery or other improvements. The commission asked him to return next month with plans for the stage, fencing and storage building.
The commission also discussed string lighting in the park. The lights were described as LED lights that come on at dusk. Commissioners did not object to the lighting.
Regarding the portable storage building, commissioners said it could not remain in its current appearance within the historic district. Taylor said the building was being used to store umbrellas, tables, chairs and a battery-powered mower. He said he was willing to look at options such as constructing a frame and adding greenery to make the structure less visible.
The commission approved the application with the understanding that plans for the stage, fence and storage unit would be brought back for review.
An application for signage at 216 University Parkway for Dean’s Oncology was ratified after the commission determined the administrative work met the applicable parameters.
The commission then approved a new roof for the Bishop’s residence at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Father Irene Sengelamy represented the church and said the project is part of the second phase of renovations to the Bishop Montault residence. The roof will be replaced with a white-colored material consistent with what is currently on the building.
The church also requested permission to display a vehicle as part of a fundraiser for St. Mary’s Catholic School. The request was for a display beginning in October and continuing through mid-December.
Commissioners noted that the historic district ordinance allows temporary signage for 60 days. Because the proposed display would extend approximately two weeks beyond that period, the commission approved an amended request allowing the vehicle to remain for two and a half months.
The commission then considered a demolition request involving property at 111 and 112 Second Street associated with the Anthony Ned Maggio Estate. Chalon Olivier Ahbol told commissioners that her father, George Olivier, established a furniture company on Second Street in 1966. She said an adjoining lot contains a deteriorated facade without a roof and that some of the brick has fallen.
Ahbol said she was considering purchasing the property and wanted assurance that the structure could be demolished so she could continue plans for Olivier Woodworks. She said the property could eventually provide parking and that she envisioned improving the remaining building, including a new awning, cleaned brick, repainted woodwork and new columns.
The commission agreed that the demolition could be approved should Ahbol purchase the property, but clarified that the future owner would still have to file the required application before demolition. The commission’s approval would then allow the demolition application to proceed, subject to the applicable six-month period following approval of the actual application.
The commission also discussed the proposed renovation of the City Park pool. The first phase of the redesign would include civil engineering, site development and foundation work. Funding had not yet been secured. Commissioners said they needed to see plans for the proposed renovation, particularly because the project would eventually involve architectural changes to the park and pool. Staff was directed to contact the architectural firm and obtain plans and images for presentation at the commission’s October meeting.
The commission also discussed a proposal that had been presented to the City Council regarding additional murals in the historic district. Commissioners were informed that the City Council had proposed a six-month moratorium on new murals within the historic district. The matter was expected to come before the City Council for consideration at its next meeting.
The commission adjourned following the discussion.