Locals Nix Design for Infill Housing in Bedford Historic District

A community group has rejected a proposal for new infill housing on one of the finest landmarked blocks in Bedford Stuyvesant, part of the Bedford Historic District. The proposed design for 162 Hancock Street shows a four-story brick building with brown trim. The height of the building, the size of its windows, and high stoop match that of the 19th century buildings on the block.

The rendering, by architect Ana Maria Torres, shows a similar design for No. 164. The developer, 164 Hancock Development LLC, bought the two empty lots and the landmarked house at 168 Hancock Street from the longtime owner in 2021 for $4.55 million, public records show.

The Landmarks Preservation Committee of Community Board 3 voted against the design at a meeting on Monday, March 13. “We need a building that is worthy of one of the most celebrated blocks in the historic district,” said Rona Morrissette, president of Hancock Street Block Association #2, in a press release from the block association.

Locals said they want to evaluate plans for both properties together, but plans for No. 164 were not presented at the meeting. The presenters did not indicate whether the new buildings would be townhouses, condos, or something else. The developer is seeking a certificate of appropriateness from the Landmarks Preservation Commission.

The block, developed in the 1880s, contains numerous fine brownstones by such noted 19th century architects as Amzi Hill, George Chappell, Frederick Langston, John Prague, and Langston & Dahlander.

The full board of Community Board 3 will consider the application in May. After CB3 makes its advisory recommendation, the Landmarks Preservation Commission will consider the design for its appropriateness in the historic district.

[Photos by Susan De Vries unless noted otherwise]

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