Commission approves facade reconstruction amendment for Cambridge Place house in Clinton Hill

The Landmarks Preservation Commission on May 20 approved an amendment to a previously authorized project at a mid-19th-century Anglo-Italianate row house in the Clinton Hill Historic District (43 Cambridge Place) to allow facade reconstruction where party and rear walls were found structurally unsound.

The applicant—s architect, Jane Lee, and structural engineer Shariah Rafi presented photographs and engineering reports showing large cracks, bulging and partial separation of the side (exposure 4) and rear (exposure 3) walls; Rafi advised that those walls were not structurally stable and recommended removal and replacement. The front facade (exposure 1) was shown to be in repairable condition and would be preserved.

The commission approved reconstruction using a cold-formed steel stud backup with an exterior three-part stucco finish matching the visible finish at the party wall. Staff noted that exposed party walls in such circumstances historically have been finished in stucco and that the proposed insulated wall assembly would meet current energy-code requirements. The applicant explained a phased demolition and shoring sequence to maintain floor and roof support while walls are removed and replaced; commissioners and staff said the project will be subject to enhanced engineering review with LPC structural staff and the Department of Buildings.

The motion to amend the prior approval passed with eight votes in favor and one abstention. The approval finding noted the poor condition of the existing stucco-clad party wall, that reconstruction will not eliminate significant architectural features, and that the new wall finish will harmonize with the painted stucco finish of the front façade.