Historic district tables roof replacement for 865 2nd Street over structural and historic concerns

The Natchitoches Historic District Commission on a voice vote tabled a roof-replacement application from Rick Lanning for his property at 865 2nd Street after commissioners said they needed more technical information about the house’s substructure and the historical appropriateness of a metal roof.

Lanning told commissioners the existing roof consists of multiple layers — aluminum shingles, asphalt layers and original cedar shake — and that the underlying lath has 6–8 inch spacing that he said prevents installing conventional architectural shingles. He described tarps and ongoing water intrusion and said replacing the roof with a tin roof would reproduce the current appearance while reducing maintenance.

Commissioners raised two central concerns. Commissioner Salter said metal roofs were not typical for residential structures in the historic district and urged restoration toward materials consistent with the building’s period. Other commissioners said the board lacked engineering information showing the roof framing could or could not support new sheathing and conventional shingles. One commissioner recommended obtaining competitive estimates that compare the cost of reconstructing the substructure and installing architectural shingles versus a metal roof.

The commission agreed to meet on-site as soon as Lanning could secure contractors or an engineer who could examine the roof and provide cost options. Commissioner Salter moved to table the application; Commissioner Donahoe seconded. The motion to table carried on a voice vote. The commission said it would reconvene with the applicant once the requested structural and cost information is available.

The application was tabled; no construction authorization was issued. The commission suggested the applicant coordinate with the staff liaison for an on-site review within two weeks if possible.