The Historic Preservation Review Board met to consider the following items on December 16, 2010. Copies of staff reports related to cases listed below may be requested by email.
Video archives of the hearing are accessible on the office website.
_________
HPRB ACTIONS
December 16, 2010
The Historic Preservation Review Board met and considered the following items on December 16, 2010.
Present: Catherine Buell, Chair; Elinor Bacon, Tersh Boasberg, Maria Casarella, James Kane, Christopher Landis, Robert Sonderman, and Joseph Taylor. Absent: Pamela Scott
AGENDA
HISTORIC LANDMARKS
Italian Embassy, 2700 16th Street, NW, HPA #10-495, concept/alterations, new construction of apartment building.
The Board passed a motion approving the conceptual site plan and rehabilitation of the landmark, directed the applicants to restudy the architectural treatment of the north wing, and restudy the height, massing and architectural treatment of the new apartment tower, and return for further review when appropriate. Approved: 8-0.
Garfinckel’s Department Store, 600 14th Street/1401 F Street, NW, HPA #11-079, concept storefront, canopy and sign alterations.
The Board passed a motion approving a conceptual plan for alterations to the storefront windows for a kitchen installation, canopy and signage alterations, and recessed main doors. The Board approved a new revolving door at the corner only if it can be accomplished without altering the adjacent display windows. Approved 7-0 (Kane recused).
MOUNT PLEASANT HISTORIC DISTRICT
Oakwood Terrace and 17th Street, NW, subdivision of vacant lot and construction of three rowhouses.
The Board passed a motion approving the conceptual site plan, height and massing of the three rowhouses and retaining wall, with suggestions for minor revisions as the plan is further developed. Approved: 8-0.
SHAW AND BLAGDEN ALLEY HISTORIC DISTRICTS
1435 11th Street, NW, HPA #10-465, concept/ new construction, four stories plus basement multi-unit building.
The Board passed a motion denying the concept as incompatible with the character of the historic district. Approved: 8-0.
937 M Street, NW, HPA #11-029, concept/third story addition.
The Board passed a motion directing the applicant to restudy the proposal to include accurate drawings (including a front elevation, side elevation and street elevation), and to set back any alteration of the roof at least fifteen feet from the front façade to diminish the visibility and prominence of the roof change from the street and potential alterations to the façade’s mansard roof. Approved: 8-0.
U STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT
1909 12th Street, NW, HPA #11-075, permit/alteration of previously-approved project to raise roof.
The Board passed a motion advising the Mayor’s Agent that the proposed alterations to the roof and façade were not consistent with the purposes of the preservation law. Approved: 8-0.
CAPITOL HILL HISTORIC DISTRICT
309 Massachusetts Avenue, NE, HPA #11-078, concept/basement entrance and alterations to public space front yard.
The Board passed a motion finding the conceptual proposal for alterations to the façade and site were inconsistent with its guidelines and incompatible with the character of the historic district, and directed the applicant to work with the staff to explore a plan that retains the basement entrance under the primary stairs and preserves a direct, primary lead walk on axis with the main entry door. Approved: 8-0.
HISTORIC LANDMARKS
The Maples (Friendship House), 619 D Street, SE, HPA #11-078, concept/restoration of historic structure, new construction, parking garage access.
The Board passed a motion approving the conceptual site plan and the general massing and design of the proposed new construction with the suggestion that the applicants study narrowing the width of the new western-most houses facing on South Carolina Avenue. The approval included the condition that a revised and expanded landmark nomination will be produced by the applicants before final approval of the construction plans, and that archeological investigation will be done to document the front lawn area affected by the excavation for an underground parking garage. The applicants were directed to continue refining the plans in consultation with HPO, and the project should return for further review by the Board when ready. Approved: 6-0 (Casarella recused, Bacon not present).
DOWNTOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT
917 F Street NW, HPA #11-045, permit/replace large neon blade sign with similar.
The Board did not take a vote, but directed the HPO and applicants to work together to either find an alternative location for the existing sign or explore reconstruction for the new tenant. (Bacon not present).
CONSENT CALENDAR
The HPRB approved the following items on the consent calendar, with a vote of 8-0.
CAPITOL HILL HISTORIC DISTRICT
534 11th Street, SE, HPA #11-066, concept/second-story rear addition and infill of dogleg.
1216 D Street, SE, HPA#11-075, concept/renovations to alley structure for residential use .
SHAW HISTORIC DISTRICT
1215 N Street, NW, HPA #11-082, concept/four-story rear addition.
SHERIDAN KALORAMA HISTORIC DISTRICT
2154 Wyoming Avenue, NW, HPA #11-069, concept/façade alterations to non-contributing building.
U STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT
1317 Wallach Place, NW, HPA #11-070, concept/alteration, new basement areaway.
__________
