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BZA approves penthouse renovation and two small additions at 1750 New York Ave NW
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Summary
The board granted special‑exception relief to renovate and modestly enlarge the existing penthouse and rooftop amenity at United Unions’ headquarters, with Office of Planning, Commission of Fine Arts and Secret Service sign‑offs noted in the record.
The Board of Zoning Adjustment on July 30 approved a special exception allowing the renovation and modest enlargement of the penthouse and roof deck at 1750 New York Avenue NW, the United Unions headquarters building. Office of Planning recommended approval, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed and approved a slightly reduced design, and the U.S. Secret Service indicated no objection following a site walkthrough.
Applicant counsel Lawrence Farris and project architect Anit Shaveri described two small additions — a west addition at 13 feet 9 inches and an east addition at 13 feet 2 inches — to an existing enclosed penthouse that is about 16 feet 2 inches tall. The additions are intended to provide meeting and amenity space and to update the existing roof deck. The applicant submitted documentation of consultation with the Secret Service (exhibit 14) and the Commission of Fine Arts’ requested adjustments to reduce visibility; ANC2A voted unanimously to support the application at its July 16 meeting.
Office of Planning senior staff Shepherd Newman recommended approval in a written report (exhibit 25) and told the board the application “should be in harmony with the zoning regulations and should not adversely impact adjacent properties.” The District Department of Transportation reviewed the proposal and registered no objection. Board members said the project’s design adjustments and agency coordination adequately addressed potential visual and security concerns, and the board voted to approve the special‑exception relief as captioned.
