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Planning board tables 76 Lawrence Street conversion to 33 apartments for further design input
Summary
A proposal to convert the former Post-Star building at 76 Lawrence Street into 33 residential units (mix of efficiencies, one- and two-bedrooms) was tabled for additional materials and architecture discussion, with neighbors raising design questions about materials, window treatments and lighting.
The Planning Board on April 2 heard plans to convert the former Post-Star building at 76 Lawrence Street into 33 apartments with a mix of efficiencies, one- and two-bedroom units, but tabled the item to allow the applicant to return with additional materials and design refinements.
Luigi Lehi of ABD Engineers and Surveyors and architect Dan Sanders presented a conversion that would reuse the existing shell, add a second floor over parts of the structure and provide 69 parking spaces (44 on-site plus 25 overflow). The applicant said the proposal would retain the building footprint, add internal stair access and tuck mechanical equipment toward the roof center; the plan includes three ADA parking spaces.
Multiple neighbors and board members raised concerns about the proposed exterior materials and how an added second floor would visually relate to neighboring masonry buildings. Neighbors asked the design team to consider alternatives to the metal siding proposed on the new second floor—options discussed included thin brick, EIFS or complementary colors and setbacks to reduce the visual “disjointed” effect. Board members also asked the applicants to provide more detailed drawings showing existing utilities, drainage structures, fire-sprinkler/fire-flow planning and roof-drain details.
The Warren County planning department provided an advisory opinion finding no significant intercommunity or countywide impacts. The board voted to table the submission to the May 7, 2025 meeting to give the applicant time to provide material samples, revised elevations and the additional infrastructure details requested.
