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Landmarks OKs 185 Bainbridge rear addition after commissioners require railings, reject masonry parapets
Summary
The Landmarks Preservation Commission legalized a one‑story rear addition at 185 Bainbridge Street in Bedford‑Stuyvesant on condition that tall parapet walls be removed and replaced with low metal railings; the vote was 7–2.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission voted 7–2 on April 8 to legalize the construction of a one‑story rear yard addition at 185 Bainbridge Street in the Bedford‑Stuyvesant Expanded Stuyvesant Heights Historic District, but commissioners ordered modifications including removal of tall parapet walls facing the rear yard and replacement with metal railings.
The applicant, Carmela Wismer, presented the project as a townhouse renovation that included a new rear extension constructed in reclaimed red brick and metal windows. She told the commission, “This oversight was not intentional. We apologize for the late amendments to landmark's filing.” The presentation said the new extension projects 19 feet into the rear yard and leaves a 32‑foot yard consistent with zoning.
Commissioners questioned why the addition was not filed with the Commission before construction. During discussion, several commissioners said they were uncomfortable with the width and depth of the full‑width projection even though it is a single story. Commissioner Ginsburg recommended reducing the depth to match a 17‑foot‑5‑inch neighbor extension and replacing the masonry parapets with railings; other commissioners agreed that the parapet walls facing the yard should be removed and replaced by metal railings on low copings. Vice Chair Bland, who moved approval with those modifications, noted the block includes many deep rear yards and that the single‑story height mitigated visibility from the street.
The motion to approve the application with the modifications was seconded by Commissioner Chapin. The roll call recorded seven ayes and two opposed. The chair urged the applicant to consult Landmarks before filing future Department of Buildings amendments.
The Commission’s action legalizes work done without prior Landmarks permits but requires the applicant to remove the tall yard‑facing parapets and replace them with metal railings; no other demolition or changes to front facades were ordered.
What’s next: The applicant must coordinate with staff to finalize details for the metal railings and to document required changes for a final sign‑off.
