Landmarks panel approves 750‑square‑foot penthouse enlargement at 755 West End Avenue

The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Sept. 16 approved a roughly 750‑square‑foot penthouse enlargement at 755 West End Avenue in the Riverside West End Historic District Extension 2, finding the addition generally compatible in materials and minimally visible from primary facades.

Architect Carlo Zacorski told the commission the proposed enlargement would add approximately 750 square feet of stucco‑finished penthouse set well behind existing parapets and that a mock‑up was built and photographed to demonstrate visibility. Zacorski said the proposed hip roof was selected in part because the code would then allow the project to forego a stair bulkhead, reducing additional rooftop accretions.

Megan Fitzpatrick, speaking for Landmark West, said the committee found the design “minimally impactful on the skyline and thoroughfare” and “appropriate.” Manhattan Community Board 7 also recommended approval.

Commissioners asked about rooftop drainage; Commissioner Goldblum asked, “What happens to the water that hits your … roof?” Zacorski responded, “There are roof drains,” and said the project would include gutters and leaders. Commissioners noted that existing parapets exceed 45 inches in height and would substantially obscure the enlargement from primary facades. Commissioners Wilder and Ginsburg both said they found the proposal appropriate, and Commissioner Wilder specifically noted the hip roof clarified the applicant’s approach to visibility and code requirements.

Commissioner Convey read a motion finding that the enlarged penthouse would be set back from primary facades, would be minimally visible and partially obscured by the decorative parapet, and would match or harmonize with the existing penthouse in simple massing and buff‑colored stucco. Commissioner Ekumbay seconded the motion. A roll call found eight votes in favor and none opposed; the commission approved the certificate of appropriateness.

Details noted in testimony: the building was described in the application as a Colonial Revival apartment building built in 1924–25; the enlargement was presented as composed of buff‑colored stucco, simple punch windows and a hip roof; and a full mock‑up was installed and photographed to document visibility from multiple vantage points. No public funding or changes to primary facades were authorized by this permit.