LPC approves modified rear‑yard window plan at Hamilton Heights rowhouse, asks applicant to drop fourth‑floor rear addition

The Landmarks Preservation Commission on July 22 approved modifications to rear‑facade openings and new windows at 410 West 140th Street in the Hamilton Heights‑Sugar Hill Historic District, but required elimination of the proposed fourth‑floor addition to the rear extension and asked the applicant to refine the mullion proportions and brick detailing to align with the continuous row. Why it matters: The block displays a consistent rhythm of rear facades; commissioners aimed to preserve the row’s top‑floor continuity while allowing limited, visually compatible updates where a gap view makes the rear visible from a neighboring vacant lot. Applicant Kushner Studios presented a plan to convert a four‑story SRO into a two‑family house and to extend the existing three‑story rear extension by one story to create a four‑story rear block and enlarge several window openings. The team said existing conditions include earlier rear additions on neighboring properties and that at least one nearby house already has a four‑story extension. The applicant said they would reuse removed brick where possible and match face brick and cornice detailing as needed. The Historic Districts Council opposed altering the strong line at the rear corners that repeats across the block. Commissioners agreed the lower‑level paired windows and enlargements could be compatible when executed as paired one‑over‑one double‑hung windows within the existing openings, but they concluded adding a full‑height fourth story at this location would interrupt the uniform top‑floor line for a row in which only one building currently has a full‑height extension. The commissioners asked the applicant to eliminate the proposed top‑floor addition and to work with staff to reduce the perceived thickness of the central spandrel/mullion and to replicate the corbel brick detail and cornice at the parapet. Commissioner Ekwembe moved to close the hearing and Commissioner Master seconded; the commission then moved to approve with the modification that the applicant remove the fourth‑floor extension and continue working with staff on window and brick details. The vote approving the modified plan was 8–0 in favor.