LPC legalizes façade and rear-yard work at 256 West 80th Street after revisions; rooftop addition preserved

The Landmarks Preservation Commission voted July 15 to approve corrective and legalization work at 256 West 80th Street, a Renaissance Revival rowhouse in the Riverside-West End Historic District, allowing modifications to a previously altered commercial extension and to a rear-yard addition. Dina Posner, LPC preservation staff, and Jackie Puduvalen of JPD Preservation Consulting explained the application seeks to legalize reconstruction work performed without the originally intended approvals and to introduce revised brownstone-stucco profiles, applied trim and reduced light fixtures. The project also removes taller parapet piers atop a rear-yard addition and substitutes globe light fixtures where commissioners had asked lighting be restudied. The applicant reported the Ground Floor commercial extension required replacement of the structural framing with steel to meet current building-code stability and fire-resistance requirements; that steel framing constrained the width and height of the new stucco piers and the window openings. The project team said they re-examined 1930s tax photographs and added applied ornament—medallions/wreath motifs and revised cornice/spandrel profiles—to better recall historic proportions and details while noting some earlier wood signage was likely later, tenant-installed signage rather than integral historic panels. Commissioners generally found the revised composition and detailing acceptable and asked staff to work with the applicant on stucco and molding detailing. Commissioner Ginsburg moved to approve; Commissioner Chen seconded. The roll call was unanimous among commissioners present and the motion passed. The commission’s resolution notes that the extension was highly altered prior to designation, that the revised extension recalls the historic composition in footprint and solid-to-void ratio, and that the rear-yard reconstruction and moderate increase in rear height are compatible with the block’s character. The applicant will coordinate final stucco/molding details with staff before permits are issued.