Landmarks panel approves entrance hood and aluminum-clad windows for Douglaston house

The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission on March 11 approved an application to add a small bracketed entrance hood and replace existing windows at 111 Arley Road in the Douglaston Historic District, a Colonial Revival house built in 1912.

The commission’s decision approves the addition of a wooden, bracket-supported hood with an asphalt-shingle roof above the main entrance and the replacement of the building’s windows with aluminum-clad wood units that match the existing historic configurations and operations.

Lisa Schafer, preservation staff, said, "The application for 111 Arley Road is to install a bracketed hood over the existing main entrance and also to install aluminum clad windows." Architect Frank Patella, representing the owners, described the hood as a small practical feature: "So the cars are parked in the front either on the street or within the driveway. So it helps, a bit while they're fumbling for keys and mail and so on to keep things dry a bit while they're answering the home." The application also includes in-kind replacement of wooden shutters.

Queens Community Board 11 submitted a recommendation opposing the canopy, saying the original roof compression and asymmetrical angles are integral to the house’s Arts-and-Crafts design. Patella said the hood is intended to match the slope of the main roof and that the design attempts to be appropriate to the house.

Commissioners described the proposal as modest and consistent with other houses in the district. Commissioner Chapin said the work was a "fairly minor change" typical of the area and supported approval, and Vice Chair Bland added that a small porch- or hood-like protection is "functional" and a common welcoming feature. Commissioners suggested the owners consider painting the hood brackets white to match trim but approved the application as presented.

The formal motion to approve was made by Commissioner Chapin, seconded by Vice Chair Bland. The roll call vote recorded seven votes in favor and none opposed; the motion passed.

The commission’s written findings state the hood is consistent with similar features in the district, will not damage significant architectural fabric, the aluminum-clad windows will match existing configurations and will not be discernible from the street, and the replacement will not detract from the house or the Douglaston Historic District.

The owners may proceed under the certificate of appropriateness; the commission suggested they may consider white paint for the brackets to better match the fascia and trim.