Landmarks panel approves plan to retain 1920s garage façade and build new residential structure at 38 State Street

Commissioner Goldblum recommended and the Landmarks Preservation Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness July 15 for work at 38 State Street in the Brooklyn Heights Historic District that retains the garage’s primary front façade while allowing construction of a new, set-back residential building behind it. The commission approved the applicant’s revised design after the project team reduced rooftop bulkheads, unified the cornice line and introduced punched windows and continuous soldier-course brick banding to better mediate between the preserved garage façade and the new building. The revised proposal preserves the front masonry openings in their original form and locates access into the five new residential units through lowered ironwork at existing openings. The design adds planted planters in the interstitial forecourt between the old façade and the new structure; those planters also serve a structural role to brace the retained wall. Brendan (applicant representative) presented revised drawings and renderings showing the changes requested at the June 17 public hearing. Corey Harala, Director of Preservation, introduced the item and noted the application had been revised in response to commissioner comments. Commissioner Goldblum said the revisions had “really improved” the design and praised the reduction in grill work and the punched openings that help “mute” geometric clashes between old and new. Several commissioners described the interstitial planted forecourt as a successful way to integrate the retained façade with the new building behind it. The commission’s written finding noted that the existing garage building is not characteristic of the features for which the district was designated, that the primary garage façade, including its decorative brickwork and openings, will be retained, and that the new building’s materials and proportions will be compatible with the streetscape. Commissioner Goldblum made the motion to approve; Commissioner Ginsburg seconded. The roll call showed 10 in favor and none opposed; the motion passed. The approval includes the preserved front masonry openings, reduced rooftop bulkheads, the soldier-course banding at the fourth floor and the planted forecourt as shown in the revised submissions. The commission’s resolution references the Brooklyn Heights Historic District designation report and the project’s LPC certificate application filings. Questions about construction sequencing, façade bracing and the detailed composition of the planters were discussed in the hearing; staff noted that proposed excavation and structural work will be done under a licensed engineer’s supervision per Department of Preservation regulations. The applicant may proceed under the approved Certificate of Appropriateness and will work with staff on final masonry and ironwork details before permit issuance.