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Designer presents two design options for 219 Washington Avenue expansion; board gives preliminary, nonbinding feedback
Summary
Applicant Robert Evans presented two options for additions and unit reconfiguration at 219 Washington Avenue. Board members responded with advisory comments focusing on height, style and consistency with historic context; staff and several board members suggested a formal application for definitive review.
Architect Robert Evans presented two design options at an informational session for 219 Washington Avenue, where the existing building has operated as small-occupancy lodging and a garage/stable historically. Evans said prior work converted the site into multiple short-stay units and that the owners seek an addition to add more units; he said he reduced interior ceiling heights from 9 feet to 8 feet to reduce overall building height so the addition would comply with the 20-foot maximum in the historic district. He described a two-story addition to the rear and a standalone building (219A) that could be one or two stories depending on board guidance and code exceptions.
Board members emphasized that advisory comments were nonbinding and that the board prefers a full application for formal review. Member Benvenu said the two members most concerned about height and style were absent and that the project team had done a “huge improvement.” Member Rios said staff would continue working with the applicant and that final design and any exceptions should be resolved through a formal hearing and staff recommendations. The board’s general guidance: seek compatibility with adjacent buildings, avoid exceeding the district’s height limits where possible, and coordinate closely with staff before a formal submittal.
Why it matters: the property is within a historic district and proposed additions and unit conversions must meet standards for massing, height and style; preliminary guidance will shape the formal application and potential exception requests.
Next steps: the applicant will refine designs with staff and return for a formal hearing with a staff recommendation and materials for decision.
