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HDRB postpones review of a two‑story addition at 219 Washington Avenue; asks for story poles and refined design
Summary
The Historic District Review Board postponed consideration of a multi‑building, two‑story addition and new rear units for 219/219A Washington Avenue. Board members requested story poles and asked the applicant to refine massing, window placement and roof form before the case returns on Sept. 23.
The Historic District Review Board voted Tuesday to postpone review of a proposed multi‑building project at 219 and 219A Washington Avenue, citing unresolved concerns about height, massing, window placement and roof profile.
Staff presented a project that would add two‑story construction to the rear of an existing one‑story contributing commercial building and add a small new building (219A) with second‑floor units behind the primary Washington Avenue facade. The applicant requested exceptions for building footprint and for a modest height increase (projected heights of 22 feet and 24 feet‑6 inches versus a 20‑foot reference), and the design includes divided‑light windows, new entries and railing systems for the rear units.
Board members questioned the relationship between the proposed rear massing and the contributing primary facades on Washington Avenue, asked about the visual effect from the public right‑of‑way and requested story poles so the board can see the three‑dimensional impact at scale. Member Beachhead said the addition could change the character of the passage between existing buildings, and several members urged more regularized window placement and greater sensitivity to the neighboring contributing structures.
After discussion the board voted to postpone the application to a date certain and directed the applicant to return with story poles and revised drawings that address board comments. Staff proposed — and the board accepted — a return date of Sept. 23, 2025, to allow time for re‑submittal and site presentation.
What’s next: Applicant will install story poles, submit revised elevations and a clear comparison of existing and proposed building heights and massing, and return to HDRB on Sept. 23.
