Landmark permit issued for 491 HENRY STREET, BROOKLYN in COBBLE HILL
Landmark building permit details
| Location | 491 HENRY STREET, BROOKLYN |
|---|---|
| Issue date | July 13, 2007 |
| (?) COFA | COFA 07-8618 |
Certificates of Appropriateness (COFAs) are issued by the landmarks commission when it approves such things as building construction, demolition and visible additions to historic property. The certificates require a public hearing and the entire process can take several months. |
|
| Docket | 07-7938 |
| Historic district | Cobble Hill |
| Landmark name | N/A |
| Expiration date | January 4, 2013 |
| Text | Pursuant to Section 25-307 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York, the Landmarks Preservation Commission, at the Public Meeting of May 8, 2007, following the Public Hearing and Public Meeting of April 3, 2007, voted to grant a Certificate of Appropriateness for the proposed work at the subject premises, as put forth in your application completed on May 8, 2013. The proposed work, as approved, consists of cladding the facades with new red brick to match the original brick facades, sidewalls, parapets, rooflines, chimneys and window openings to recall the original shape and profile of the house; constructing three dormers at the roof on the front (west) façade; creating a rear rooftop dormer clad in wood clapboard; and cladding a portion of the north façade in brick up to the chimney wall, and cladding all the rear facades in brick. The proposal, as initially presented to the Commission included a wider rear rooftop dormer featuring a stucco finish; and the use of a stucco finish for all of the east (rear) facade, north facade and part of the south façade. Proposed work was shown in current condition photographs and historic photo documentation photo boards, material samples and presentation boards featuring photographs and drawings labeled 1-10, dated April 3, 2007, and revised presentation boards labeled 5, 6, 6a,7, 8,9,11,11a, dated May 7, 2007, prepared by Benjamin Baxt, R.A, and submitted as components of the application, and presented at the Public Hearing and Public Meetings. In reviewing the proposal, the Commission noted that the Cobble Hill Historic District designation report describes 491 Henry Street as an Italianate style residence built between 1845 and 1850; and that the style, scale, age, materials, and details of the building contribute to the special architectural and historic character of the Cobble Hill Historic District. Staff finally noted that the current modern façade infill and roof height configuration was initiated prior to designation. With regard to this proposal, the Commission found that the removal of the blond brick cladding will eliminate modern alterations that detract from the special historic and architectural character of the building; that rebuilding the façade with red common brick, end chimneys, and a modified parapet roof height, will restore the silhouette of the building to a condition closer to its original form; that raising the pitch of the roof to create a taller ceiling height will maintain the pitched form of the roof and will not be perceptible from the public way; that, historically, the installation of dormers was the traditional method for creating livable interior attic space on a building of this age, style and scale, and the proposed dormers are in keeping with that tradition; that the proposed dormers at both the front and back of the roof will be well scaled to this building's small size and proportions; that the proposed rear yard addition will be modest and will not substantially increase the volume of the building or alter the scale and character of the building; that the proposed rear addition will not rise to the full height or width of the building thereby preserving the building's original massing by maintaining the original plane of the rear wall at the upper stories; that the proposed lot line windows will retain the same general shape and pattern as existing windows found on this façade and will help regularize the window pattern; that traditionally, built additions to a house of this style and date would utilize similar building materials as the main buildings and the brick used would be a common brick to complement the rest of the main portion of the brick house; and that the installation of the iron gate and patio landing on the side facade is harmonious with the style of the building, and its presence will not detract from the special historic and architectural character of the building and the historic district. Based on these findings, the Commission determined that the work is appropriate to the building. However, in voting to grant this approval, the Landmarks Preservation Commission made its determination subject to the condition that the rear façade and the north alley wall up to and including the chimney breast be clad in brick, as well as submitting two sets of final signed and sealed drawings showing the approved proposal, which will be filed with the Department of Buildings, be submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for review and approval. Subsequently, on July 2, 2007, the Commission received two sets of a final stamped and signed drawing labeled and dated BD-1, last revised June 7, 2007; BD-2, last revised July 2, 2007; BD-3a last revised July 2, 2007; BD-3b, last revised July 2, 2007; BD-4, last revised June 7, 2007; BD-5, last revised July 2, 2007; BD-6, last revised July 2, 2007; BD-7, last revised June 20, 2007; BD-8, last revised June 7, 2007; and BD-9, last revised June 7, 2007, all prepared by Benjamin H. Baxt, R.A .The Commission staff noted that the drawings included additional work, including a restorative program to include wood two-over-two double hung windows throughout the facades. The Commission reviewed the submitted drawings and found that the proposal approved by the Commission has been maintained. Therefore, these drawings are being marked approved by the Commission with a perforated seal, and this Certificate of Appropriateness is being issued. This permit is issued contingent upon the Commission's review and approval of brick and mortar, stucco, brownstone and all other masonry samples, along with any and all diagrams, shop drawings or details pertaining to the reconstruction of the cornice, windows, window openings, porch, front entry and porch, and all window and door replacements, all prior to the commencement of work. Please contact the Landmarks Preservation Commission staff to arrange a site visit and review all materials. This permit is issued on the basis of the building and site conditions described in the application and disclosed during the review process. By accepting this permit, the applicant agrees to notify the Commission if the actual building or site conditions vary or if original or historic building fabric is discovered. The Commission reserves the right to amend or revoke this permit, upon written notice to the applicant, in the event that the actual building or site conditions are materially different from those described in the application or disclosed during the review process. PAGE 2 Issued: 7/13/07 DOCKET: 07-7938 All approved drawings are marked approved by the Commission with a perforated seal indicating the date of approval. The work is limited to what is contained in the perforated documents. Other work or amendments to this filing must be reviewed and approved separately. The applicant is hereby put on notice that performing or maintaining any work not explicitly authorized by this permit may make the applicant liable for criminal and/or civil penalties, including imprisonment and fines. This letter constitutes the permit; a copy must be prominently displayed at the site while work is in progress. Please direct inquiries to Kim Valente. Robert B. Tierney Chair PLEASE NOTE: PERFORATED DRAWINGS AND A COPY OF THIS PERMIT HAVE BEEN SENT TO: Benjamin Baxt, Baxt Ingui Architects PC cc: Baxt Ingui Architects PC; William Neeley, Deputy Director of Preservation PAGE 3 Issued: 7/13/07 DOCKET: 07-7938 |
Added to EveryBlock on January 16, 2008.