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Commission backs 1906‑style restoration for Knapp Funeral Home facade; asks for paint sample on building
Summary
After discussion and reviews by the Historic District and ARC, the commission supported restoring the building’s 1906 facade for commercial use, asked the applicant to apply a paint sample to the existing lower brick near a window for in‑person review, and agreed to staff sign‑off on final colors and lighting with ARC review of signage.
The commission on March 11 discussed a proposal to restore the facade of the former Knapp Funeral Home on Greenwich Avenue, weighing whether to retain later Gothic‑style details or revert to the building’s 1906 storefront appearance.
Tom Rydberg, architect for the applicant, described a plan to remove the Gothic appliqué at the storefront and restore a masonry storefront similar to the original. He said the applicant intends to paint the lower‑facade brick a single hue so the upper and lower façade blend after restoration. "We're gonna paint the lower brick," he said, adding the intent is to match the lower‑brick tone in the rendering.
Why it matters: commissioners said the restored 1906 façade better supports the avenue’s commercial character and is consistent with input from the Historic District Commission (HDC). The Architectural Review Committee will still review lighting, signage and awnings when the tenant design is submitted.
Sample swatch on building. Commissioners requested a physical paint sample be applied to the existing building so members can inspect color and how it relates to the retained sills and lintels. Rydberg agreed to drop off sample boards and to apply a painted swatch on the building near the lower‑right storefront window for commissioners—and HDC, if they wish—to view within a one‑week window.
Lighting and signage. The applicant said the final tenant will submit lighting and signage to ARC for review. Rydberg said the intent is to use two 3,000‑Kelvin soffit downlights; ARC will confirm final fixtures and placement with the tenant’s signage package.
Next steps. The commission confirmed it will not change its earlier decision to pursue the 1906 restoration. The applicant will submit a paint sample on site, notify staff when it is ready for inspection, and bring final lighting and signage proposals to ARC.
End: Commissioners asked staff to record the paint‑sample inspection and to circulate results to the HDC and ARC before final certificate actions.
