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Brooklyn Heights application to lower area‑way and drop basement window sills approved
Summary
The Landmarks Preservation Commission approved lowering the grade of an area‑way and lowering two garden‑level window sills at 48 Garden Place, citing block precedent for similar altered area‑ways.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission approved a request to lower the grade of an area‑way and reduce two garden‑level window‑sill heights by about 2 feet 2 inches at 48 Garden Place in the Brooklyn Heights Historic District (LPC 25-10354).
Raquel Richter of Platte Dano (presenting for Plattzano Architects) told commissioners the work would enlarge a sunken terrace and reconfigure steps to the garden-level entry. The applicant cited multiple nearby precedents—46 Garden Place (approved at public hearing in 1997), 50 Garden Place (approved in 2024), and 40 Garden Place (approved in 2023)—showing a pattern of “dropped” area‑way sills on the block. The applicant said related alterations to the area‑way plan and steps had already been approved at staff level.
Judy Stanton of the Brooklyn Heights Association and John Graham of the Victorian Society supported the project at the hearing. Graham urged care not to alter handsome window proportions and recommended retaining the string course below the windows and matching the new exposed facade to adjacent masonry. Brooklyn Community Board 2 recommended approval with conditions.
Commissioners found the proposal consistent with established block precedent and noted the proposed bluestone paving, brownstone cladding and window treatment would be compatible with other altered area‑ways on the block. The commission approved the application.
