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Historic district commission approves restoration plan for 401 Jefferson with paint-sample condition
Summary
The Natchitoches Historic District Commission approved a plan to restore 401 Jefferson Street closer to its original appearance, including reopening an enclosed porch and doing a uniform whitewash, with a condition that paint samples be submitted before final painting.
The Natchitoches Historic District Commission on Tuesday approved a restoration plan for 401 Jefferson Street that will return an enclosed front porch to an open porch, remove nonhistoric awnings and brick pavers, and apply a uniform German-smear/whitewash to repaired brick.
The approval matters because the house — described at the meeting as the sinkhole house that previously suffered structural damage — is considered a “valuable structure in the district,” and the proposed work is intended to make the exterior more consistent with the building’s original appearance.
Brad, representing the property owners Carrie and Maria Durr, told the commission that the Durrs “bought 401 Jefferson Street” and want to “put it back closer to how it was when it was originally built.” He listed specific items: returning the enclosed porch to an open porch, removing awnings, replacing deteriorated brick pavers with concrete, and using a whitewash or German smear on repaired brick so the façade appears uniform. The applicant said some handrails will remain for insurance purposes.
Commission discussion focused on paint and finish details. Commissioner Salter moved to approve the application with the stipulation that paint samples be submitted and filed before any painting is done. Commissioner Robinson seconded the motion. The commission voted to approve the application.
The commission and the applicant also noted the house’s construction era during discussion: “the house was built between 1923 and 1930,” a fact cited during the presentation.
The commission’s action allowed the owners to proceed with the structural and exterior work but required the concrete paint/trim samples be added to the record before paint work begins.
