Douglaston commission approves balcony, cedar siding and clay tile roof for 1955 house with conditions

The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Sept. 9 approved exterior alterations at 355 Knollwood Avenue in the Douglaston Historic District, finding that the changes will not harm the district’s character but ordering refinements to materials. The vote was 8–0 in favor after commissioners recommended a less glossy, grayer clay tile profile and asked staff to review certain details.

Applicants proposed renovating the 1955 contemporary-style, non‑contributing house by replacing painted board‑and‑batten siding with stained cedar, enlarging some openings, adding a balcony and railing above the main entry, and replacing roofing and decking. The presentation noted the house’s large expanses of glass and views toward Little Neck Bay and described proposed materials as cedar siding, composite deck boards, black metal railings and a glossy black clay tile.

Staff said the Douglaston master plan and staff review rules allow some flexibility for non‑contributing buildings but that several elements — the balcony above the entry, the glossy black tile and the proposed stained wood siding — pushed beyond staff‑level review and required commission action. Staff recommended that commissioners consider visibility, compatibility with the district’s historic materials and local precedent for roof color and siding finish.

Commissioners generally supported the balcony and railing, and most found the composite decking and black metal railings acceptable; several urged the applicant to preserve board‑and‑batten texture or otherwise ensure the new siding preserves the house’s character. Multiple commissioners said the glossy black tile was out of character and asked the applicant to explore a matte finish or a gray tone and to consider flatter tile profiles or slate‑like options more in keeping with the district’s palette.

The commission’s motion approving the application included the finding that the house is not one for which the district was designated, that the cedar siding and clay tiles must be in keeping with the district’s range of traditional materials, and that the balcony and modified openings are compatible with the front facade’s scale and composition. The commission asked the applicant to revise the clay tile finish to a more matte, gray finish and to work with staff on the tile profile; staff will handle other elements at the staff level where permitted. The motion passed, 8–0.

Commissioners also encouraged the applicant to work with staff on matching details (siding texture, brick repair at the garage area and the precise decking and railing colors) so the work reads as well integrated with nearby historic buildings.

What happens next: the applicant will work with staff on the clay tile color and profile and finalize details for materials that staff may approve administratively under the Douglaston master plan.