You keep mentioning "historic" so I am presuming there won't be much wiggle room. Make an appointment with your "hysterical" board and find out the ways and means of doing work on the house. You will start by filling out an application. So, decide on your contractor, as his/her name will have to be on it.

It won't be easy.

Honestly these are the details people buy these homes for- they are unusual. The way the gable meets the turret is typical for the period, someone has probably mucked up the flashing. The original flashing was probably copper or lead to deal with the curve. Secretary for the interior standards say all repairs have to be done in kind- I E no changes to details or materials (they do allow asphalt shingles, latex paint, etc)

I wouldn't mess with the facade, if I were you. It's a lovely home and has so much character! Think of the balcony as merely decorative and spend your money on a great exterior painter who specializes in Victorian homes with lots of gingerbread. Take your inspiration for the paint jobs from the homes in Cape May, NJ or in San Francisco.

A few inspo photos:

Queen Anne Victorian Exterior · More Info

Berkeley Queen Anne total remodel · More Info

8 Mateo · More Info

Vancouver Street · More Info

Before you do anything, check with your local historical society for early photographs of your home. It was probably more richly ornamented at an earlier period. And the paint was far more detailed and interesting than the bland white it sports now. The windows on the “balcony” might have looked much different, too. Restoration might make more sense than “remuddling” the facade. I think you home is gorgeous with lovely, interesting features. What is behind the door and little window? I would embrace the opportunity to KEEP the balcony and make it work

I agree that the exterior was probably painted with a lot more colors which was the norm for these homes I think when you buy an historic home then you need to honour the home . The inside IMO can be whatever you like but stay true to that architecture on the exterior.If there is actually an historic society that is involved they will drive what you can and can't do so meet with them then have all the rules in writing and then find a designer who respects this type of home.

Thanks, Ptreckel, for the suggestion. I will certainly connect with our historical society to get inspo from the past. I definitely want to make only modifications or changes that are aligned with historical architectural design. Behind the door is the primary bedroom. Behind the square window is a bathroom.

HALLETT & Co., thanks for your review. I will look into having an architect/contractor evaluate the flashing design. I am not sure I can afford my kids' school tuition AND copper, but I'm certainly committed to using historically relevent materials.

After consulting with the historical society by phone, I've learned that my specific property is only under jurisdiction for demolition. However, I am told that the neighborhood does not take kindly to those that savagely replace original windows and features with energy-efficient materials that are not historically relevent or reproductions.

Some of the verbiage: Prior to undertaking a new construction or addition project, the HDLC encourages property owners to develop an appreciation of the unique architectural character of New Orleans and its neighborhoods and allow that understanding to inform their design. The HDLC does not require that historic properties be “copied” in new construction, but encourages that new construction be examples of high-quality design and sympathetic to its distinctive surroundings.

As you probably learned, “Under jurisdiction for demolition” means, I believe, that if you pull a permit to demolish it…the historical society/preservation organization…will be notified. Usually that means a “hold” will be placed on demolition until the structure can be “reviewed” for historical significance, alternative solutions to demolition, etc.