Natchitoches Historic District Commission ratifies repairs, paint plans and parking change

The Natchitoches Historic District Commission approved a string of routine repairs and exterior work at its most recent meeting, ratifying roof repairs, fence replacement and repainting projects and authorizing a small parking reconfiguration at the Bank of Montgomery site.

The commission ratified an administrative roof replacement at Fair Legacy (301 Church Street) and a minor roof repair at 312 Texas Street. It also ratified repainting at 403 Jefferson Street and approved a fence replacement at 601 Williams Avenue that will match the existing wood and height. The Trinity Episcopal Church’s roof repair for the school area was ratified administratively as well.

Why it matters: the approvals are intended to preserve the district’s architectural character while allowing property owners to maintain and restore structures without delay. Chair (name withheld) said the repairs used like-for-like materials where required and that administrative approvals had been used where work matched previously approved designs.

Commissioners approved paint applications for two residences on 2nd Street. Applicant Jerry Franks presented samples for 304 2nd Street — a Cornwall Slate gray body with white trim — and was told he may begin work after the commission’s approval. A separate applicant for 351 2nd Street will repaint existing green and white trim without changing colors.

At 301 Church Street (the Fair Legacy property), owner Roy Fair told commissioners the project will include a like-for-like roof and a beige brick paint described in the meeting as 'beaker beige'; ironwork and sign posts will be painted black. Fair said any future tenant would return to the commission before altering sign copy.

William Champion, representing Regional Construction, described demolition of a small outbuilding at 814 Washington and a plan to add eight parking spaces, match existing planting beds and add a single light pole consistent with existing lot fixtures; the commission approved the change and requested the agreed plantings be installed as a condition of the approval. “We would like to add eight more parking spaces,” Champion said while describing the plan.

The approvals were made by voice vote; motions to ratify or approve each item were moved and seconded during the meeting. The commission adjourned at the end of the agenda.

Next steps: approved applicants may proceed with the authorized work; any future sign copy changes or departures from approved plans will require return to the commission for approval.