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Historic commission approves Bank of Montgomery demolition, multiple paint and fencing requests and a backyard pergola
Summary
The Natchitoches Historic District Commission approved demolition of a non‑contributing back building at the Bank of Montgomery to create parking, authorized a whitewash and navy trim for 110 University Parkway, granted the Nacadesh Historic Foundation permission for a 92‑ft iron fence and repainting, and approved a 10‑ft pergola at 434 Second Street (applicant recused).
The Natchitoches Historic District Commission approved several property applications in a single meeting, clearing the way for a demolition, repainting, fencing and a backyard pergola while attaching standard follow‑up requirements.
For 06101, Pat Johnson, a local contractor representing the Bank of Montgomery, asked to demolish a rear building at 814 Washington Street to create a parking area and add landscaping. Johnson told the commission the structure has flooded multiple times, contains black mold and is served by a self‑contained sewer rather than city sewer; he said asbestos testing came back negative. The commission determined the structure is non‑contributing to the historic district and approved demolition, with the condition that the applicant return with a landscaping and lighting layout for commission review.
"The building has flooded a few times... and it’s got black mold," Pat Johnson said in support of the demolition request. The chair noted the commission generally resists demolitions but found an exception appropriate in this case because of the building’s condition and non‑contributing status.
The commission also approved paint and renovation applications: Jennifer Threadgill was authorized to whitewash the brick and use a navy trim (identified in the application as "Newport blue") at 110 University Parkway; the motion was made by Melissa Robinson and seconded by Dre Owens. Susan Baron, representing the Nacadesh Historic Foundation, received approval to install about 92 ft of 5‑ft tubular/"raw" iron fencing (with a double gate) on the south side of the foundation property and to repaint the foundation house in its existing Sherwin‑Williams colors.
At 434 Second Street, applicant Steve Horton presented plans for a 10‑ft cypress pergola, flagstone patio and a low ornamental tubular fence; Horton recused himself from the vote on that application, and commissioners approved the pergola and related landscape elements.
All approvals included routine follow‑up: applicants must provide specific material or layout samples (paint chips, fence detail, lighting placement) for the commission’s records and to ensure compliance with district standards. The commission expects applicants to return with final diagrams for any exterior lighting and landscaping associated with new concrete or paving.
The commission adjourned after several announcements and set its next meeting for Monday, July 6.
