Landmarks panel approves rear addition at 129 Vanderbilt Avenue in Wallabout Historic District

The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Feb. 4 approved a rear-yard addition and modest extrusion at 129 Vanderbilt Avenue in the Wallabout Historic District in Brooklyn.

Commissioners said the proposed work is in scale with neighboring additions, uses compatible materials and will not damage significant architectural features of the row. Commissioner Joseph Goldblum read the motion finding the addition "will not be visible from a public thoroughfare" and that the design, including wood-shake siding and multilight windows, was consistent with other rear additions in the row.

Preservation staff and the owner presented updated drawings and renderings after the project's first public presentation in August 2024, when commissioners asked for clarifications. Richard Lowry of the LPC preservation staff walked through the revised site and section drawings and noted the two-part proposal: a full-depth extrusion aligned with the neighbor on one side and a slightly projecting rear addition on the other.

Public comment at the meeting included a neighbor questioning the historic footprint of the back extension, but commissioners concluded the changes were modest and compatible. Commissioners asked staff to check detailing for the proposed bay window, which one commissioner described as "rendered a bit thinly." No amendments were proposed at the hearing.

A roll call vote recorded six aye votes and no opposition; the motion carried.

The approval applies only to the work described in the application and the commission directed staff to review final details as part of the permit process.