PUBLIC HEARING TESTIMONY
LPC-26-06063
145 Wyckoff Street – Boerum Hill Historic District
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
A modified Italianate style rowhouse built in 1867-68. Application is to construct a rear yard addition.
The Historic Districts Council finds the proposed rear yard addition to be modest in scale and generally appropriate to the building and its context. We appreciate that the building will remain in multifamily use, preserving its historic residential function.
However, we encourage the applicant to reconsider the design of the new balcony and guardrail elements. Given the retention of the historic fire escape and its distinct steel vocabulary, the new metalwork would be more harmonious if it drew upon the proportions and character of the existing ironwork and similar features found on neighboring buildings. A more sympathetic design approach would better integrate the addition into the historic rear façade composition.
Action: Approval.
LPC-26-01129
317 Jefferson Avenue – Bedford Historic District
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
A neo-Grec style rowhouse designed by William Taylor and built c. 1882. Application is to alter the front and rear façades, and construct a rooftop bulkhead and rear yard addition.
Architect: Gerald J. Caliendo Architects
The Historic Districts Council finds the proposed rooftop addition generally restrained in scale; however, we are concerned about the details of the project.
We are concerned that the renderings and construction drawings appear inconsistent with one another, particularly with regard to parapet articulation and dormer detailing. We also find that the proportions and detailing of the mansard and dormers appear unresolved. The dormers, as currently proposed, appear squat and overly compressed, and the relationship between the dormers, cornice, and mansard roof lacks the clarity and balance typically seen in historic precedent.
We recommend that the applicant work closely with staff to refine the proportions, window configurations, and detailing to achieve a more coherent and historically appropriate composition. With careful adjustment, this addition could be made more consistent with the architectural character of the building and district.
Action: Approval.
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LPC-26-05966 1184 Dean Street – Crown Heights North Historic District CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS A Romanesque Revival style rowhouse designed by Magnus Dahlander and built c. 1893. Application is to replace windows. The Historic Districts Council opposes the applicant’s proposal to replace the previously approved curved glass window sashes with straight sashes. Curved sashes are an essential feature of curved-front buildings and were appropriately approved at the staff level. The applicant’s cited precedents are not relevant, as they show unrenovated buildings, while their own examples at 810 and 796 Union Street demonstrate that curved glass sashes are both appropriate and achievable. We also question the claimed hardship. Based on consulting expertise, we understand that curved glass sashes typically cost only 25–30% more than straight sashes. We therefore urge the Commission to require the use of curved glass sashes, as previously approved, to preserve the building’s historic character. In addition, we note that these presentation materials were uploaded late, providing insufficient time for the public to review prior to the hearing. Action: No Action. Review cost of curved sash windows with staff. |
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