LPC conceptually approves courtyard walls and paving changes at Douglaston estate; asks for simpler ornament and material study

The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Aug. 5 conceptually approved modifications to courtyard walls, driveway piers, paving and decorative elements at 604 Shore Road in the Douglaston Historic District, but instructed the applicant to work with staff to simplify ornament and refine materials.

Applicant Quincy Hammond, landscape architect for the owners, presented plans to replace existing driveway paving with patterned granite cobble at the north driveway and a combination of cobble and concrete at the south driveway, to replace the courtyard bluestone with a light sandstone called Madras, to remove a non‑original pizza oven and trellis and to replace iron railings and brick piers with cast limestone balustrade elements and matching gates. Hague‑style cast limestone elements (vendor: Haddonstone) were presented as the proposed material for piers, balusters and urns. Hammond described the double lot and said the north driveway piers had previously been removed to allow access for septic and service vehicles.

The Victorian Society and the Historic Districts Council testified remotely and in person, urging a simplified design. Jeremy Woodoff of the Victorian Society said the “cumulative effect” of proposed decorative elements — urns, ornate gates, a three‑tier fountain and a limestone fireplace cladding — could overwhelm the house and asked the applicant to return with a significantly simplified design. Kaylee Johnson of Historic Districts Council said the proposed masonry and ironwork were overwrought for the house’s character.

Commissioners generally found the garden walls and paving changes acceptable in concept, noting the piers and certain walls do not appear original and that the changes would not remove significant architectural features. Several commissioners asked the applicant to work with staff to restudy the style and scale of the balustrades, the fireplace cladding, and ironwork to avoid drawing attention away from the house. Commissioner Mann said the balustrade proposals “should be held in materiality that doesn't detract from the main house.” The commission’s motion, moved by Commissioner Goldblum and seconded by Commissioner Ken Chen, approved the application with those modifications; the vote was 8–0 in favor.

The commission’s approval is conceptual and contingent on the applicant submitting refinements to the ornamental elements and material choices for staff review.