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LPC approves new areaway fence and modest rooftop addition at 80 Washington Place
Summary
The Landmarks Preservation Commission approved replacement of a 2009 iron areaway fence with a taller, simplified cast-stone-and-iron design and a minimally visible rooftop addition at 80 Washington Place in Greenwich Village, finding the changes compatible with historical 1920s alterations to the house.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission on June 10 approved changes to the front area way and a small rooftop addition at 80 Washington Place in the Greenwich Village Historic District.
Preservation consultant Sarah Sher (Higgins Quasebarth & Partners) and architects explained the house’s layered history: originally a Greek-Revival row house built in 1839, it was altered in 1920 and later modified in 2009 when the commission approved a fence and paving that replicate Greek Revival details. The current owner proposed replacing the 2009 fence with a slightly taller, simplified cast-stone panelled masonry post and black iron railing inspired by early twentieth‑century alterations, installing bluestone paving with a herringbone inset at the entry, and building a small, minimally visible rooftop bathroom addition and new glass railing.
Village Preservation, the Historic Districts Council (HDC) and the Victorian Society testified in opposition to replacing the existing iron fence, urging retention of the present decorative fence and recommending conventional bluestone slab paving rather than a herringbone pattern. "We ask that the LPC and the applicants consider retaining the existing fence," said Chloe Gregoire for Village Preservation. HDC called the proposed fence "inappropriate and unnecessary."
Commissioners noted that the house was altered in the 1920s and that the 2009 fence was itself a modern intervention; several commissioners said the proposed cast stone posts and simplified railing are compatible with the building’s altered, early-20th‑century character. Commissioner Goldblum called the applicant’s argument "sound" and supported approval; Commissioner Chiu suggested minor material refinements for the roof. The commission voted to approve the area way and the rooftop work, with staff to finalize paving and railing details.
The commission’s resolution found the proposed cast-stone posts, black iron railing, bluestone paving with herringbone accents, and the rooftop addition set back from the front facade "will be compatible with the building and the district" and will not detract from the special architectural or historic character of the Greenwich Village Historic District.
