Windows/glass in rear of extension and Landmarks/LPC regulations
Hi there, My question involves work we would like to do in the process of renovating our recently-purchased four-story townhouse in the Clinton Hill historic district. We are familiar with Landmarks Preservation Commission and understand their premise and in general applaud the efforts and in general happy to comply*. We have a very narrow two story rear extension on the garden and parlor floors of our house. We’ve found through research that this extension was likely in place since at least 1916 (house was built in the 1860s) according to various footprint maps. It (the extension only) has been clad in vinyl siding and all sorts of other things since then. We will probably lose the siding and expose the brick, which should bother no one. In addition, We would like to create a restrained but large glass-paneled window in the back of the extension on the parlor level. The current window is in an odd place, you can’t even see out of it from inside the space. I guess the look I’m going for is somewhat “modern” but, as I said, restrained. I know that LPC only has jurisdiction over what can be seen from the public realm. We did not realize this at first, but you can actually see (most) of the portion of the aforementioned extension in question from the side street (not the front of our house of course) if you really look, several yards over. This is not a situation like Norah Jones’s corner townhouse windows. It’s pretty hidden away though you can admittedly see it from the street if you are looking for it. Which means we have to do everything according to their rules, I assume (Our architect confirmed this as well) which I have no objection to at this point. My questions are, to what degree are they likely to be inflexible with this tiny sliver of extension, viewable from the side street just barely? I know their rule of thumb is: If you alter it at all, it must be what was originally there. But I also know there are plenty of exceptions and variations. Is this a situation where there is no way, under any circumstances, will we be able to put in anything but two windows that exactly match the back of the house OR not touch a thing and leave the oddly-placed and not very useful windows as they are? Is any sort of modern or oversized glass treatment, no matter how restrained, completely out of the question? Is there a way of feeling this out short of making a complete submission? Thank you for any advice you can provide. *Just to add, there is an existing violation which involves re-brownstoning of the facade without an LPC permit, done during the 90s. I have spoken to very helpful folks at LPC and this was really downplayed as far as its relevance/detriment to us. should something else be required to address this situation, we’re happy to cross that bridge when we come to it; until then I’ll assume the extension issue is a separate one and the one I’m looking for advice on here.)
cityrat
in Brownstoner Renovation 11 years and 2 months ago
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4 replies
brokelin | 11 years and 2 months ago
I would think that if your proposed windows are really attractive ones (and perhaps not contemporary, but in the style of the era of the house) that your neighbors and any passers-by that go looking through the yards at your extension, would likely prefer to see the new windows than the brick facade with smaller, oddly placed windows. Perhaps LPC will get this. Because we have the preservation laws to protect not just what is there because it is there, but presumably because these are such attractive neighborhoods to preserve. Preserving an ugly addition as it is, just because it was added to the house at some later point in time, that was not part of the original, cohesive plan for the house, doesn’t seem to be within the spirit of the preservation law. Perhaps whomever you end up dealing with at LPC will get that as well. Worth making those points to them, anyway.
AnArchitect | 11 years and 2 months ago
A Certificate of Appropriateness can be obtained for this type of work. Suggested route is to involve LPC early on at staff level, so that once you present to the commissioners the staff level recommendation is supportive of the proposal. We’ve done historically contextual additions, as well as sleek and contemporary. Go for it! www.agenciegroup.com
resident2 | 11 years and 2 months ago
The Landmarks Commission is extremely arbitrary. This is one of the main peeves I have with them. They approve one hideous extension, but reject a carefully thought out one on the same block! Why? No reason……Just that they can. The more pictures, details of moldings, exact specifications of materials, renderings you have the more they like it….. but no promises! Good luck.
Arkady | 11 years and 2 months ago
I’ve been to a few Landmarks meetings at which that kind of modification was approved but also some where they weren’t. It would be very helpful if you can rally some neighbors to support your plans & go to the meeting to speak up. A detailed presentation is a good idea too – one that shows thoughtful respect of the environment & credible renderings of the project.