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Commission conceptually approves Chez Oscar storefront, canopy and mural in Bedford‑Stuyvesant; asks for detailed drawings and staff review
Summary
The LPC conceptually approved May 13 a multi‑part proposal for Chez Oscar (310 Malcolm X Blvd / 373 Decatur St) — including a two‑story storefront reinstatement, a sculptural clear corrugated canopy, lighting, signage and a relocated mural — and instructed the applicant to work with staff on detailed storefront, structural and attachment methods.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission on May 13 gave concept approval to a comprehensive proposal (LPC 25‑02849) for Chez Oscar at 310 Malcolm X Boulevard (aka 373 Decatur Street) in the Bedford‑Stuyvesant expanded Stuyvesant Heights Historic District, while requiring the applicant to refine and return detailed engineering, storefront and attachment drawings to staff for review.
Proposal summary: owner Charlotta Janssen and consultants presented a multi‑element plan to reinstate a two‑story storefront at the corner, replace Ground‑Floor storefront infill across the first floor and one‑story extension, install a sculptural black‑metal armature with a clear corrugated polycarbonate canopy to shelter outdoor dining, relocate and reinstall a large canvas mural (Josephine Baker iconography) on the second‑floor wall, add modest exterior lighting and relocate spotlights for the mural, and modify a rear elevation to combine two second‑floor openings for deck access.
Public testimony and comments: testimony included support from Community Board 3 and several former employees and neighbors who described Chez Oscar as a long‑standing community gathering place. The Historic Districts Council supported most elements but recommended glass as an alternative to corrugated polycarbonate; the Victorian Society urged clearer and corrected drawings. Applicants said the clear corrugated canopy is lightweight, resilient to weather and would preserve light to the building and the garden, and that DOT and DOB reviews are in process for sidewalk café permitting and structural signoff.
Commission review and conditions: commissioners generally welcomed the concept and found the mural, two‑story storefront reinstatement and sculptural canopy could be appropriate in this mixed commercial thoroughfare at the edge of the historic district. However, commissioners and staff requested substantially clearer, corrected drawings and additional details before final approvals: structural engineering and DOB documentation for the two‑story reopening of the corner storefront; refined storefront elevations and profiles for wood framing, bulkheads and transoms; a method of mural attachment that avoids damaging brick (staff suggested mortar‑joint or other reversible anchors rather than full‑surface contact adhesives); a reduced/permanent‑lighting plan (string lights described as seasonal/temporary were considered acceptable, permanent fixtures should be minimized); and clearer treatment of roll‑down security gates (commissioners encouraged integrating security inside the glazing where feasible).
Action and outcome: the commission approved the proposal conceptually with conditions. The motion (read into the record) requires the applicant to continue work with LPC staff on storefront infill details, study display window proportions and bifold door details, investigate non‑damaging mural attachment methods, and address structural engineering for the two‑story storefront opening at DOB review. The motion passed unanimously.
Next steps: staff will work with the applicant to refine details and to require enhanced engineering review prior to issuance of building permits for the two‑story storefront alteration.
