Landmarks legalizes minimally visible rooftop bulkhead at 348 McDonough Street after Department of Buildings approval

The Landmarks Preservation Commission on March 4 approved an application to legalize a rooftop bulkhead at 348 McDonough Street, in the Stuyvesant Heights Historic District, after the owner built the bulkhead and later sought LPC sign‑off.

The commission found the bulkhead to be minimally visible — primarily in winter months and through a gap in the street wall from a side street — and concluded that the simple dark‑gray stucco finish and small scale were compatible with existing rooftop accretions in the district.

Zuna Amer, representing the design team, told commissioners the project’s rooftop structure had been mock‑ed up in 2020 and inspected informally by a then‑LPC staff member. The project team later removed the bulkhead during construction for budget reasons, then reinstated a bulkhead after a Department of Buildings review required one for vertical access. The design team said it believed the earlier mock‑up obviated further LPC approval; documentation of staff sign‑off was not available because the staff member and the firm’s point person were no longer with their organizations.

Amer said the bulkhead is “seasonally minimally visible,” visible only for two to three winter months from an oblique angle about 215 feet away, and noted mechanical equipment in the bulkhead serves electric water‑heating and other systems intended to improve the building’s sustainability.

Commissioners discussed the minimal visibility and the applicant’s statement that they had not realized a further LPC amendment was required. Commissioner Chen said the commission would review the application “as if new” and supported approval while endorsing the community board’s recommendation that the applicant not return with further unpermitted construction. The local community board recommended approval with the stipulation that no future non‑compliant construction occur.

Commissioner Chen moved approval and Commissioner Ginsburg seconded. The recorded vote was Chair Carroll, Commissioner Chapin, Commissioner Chen, Commissioner Ginsburg, Commissioner Goldblum, Commissioner Lutfi and Commissioner Master in favor; none opposed. The motion passed 7‑0.

The LPC’s approval covered the bulkhead’s form, finish and limited visibility; commissioners and staff noted the Department of Buildings should not have approved the work without LPC authorization and emphasized the need for clearer documentation and coordination among applicants, DOB and LPC on permitted work going forward.