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HPB approves redesign and variances for 1730 Jefferson Avenue after facade revisions
Summary
The Historic Preservation Board approved exterior changes and variances for a revised renovation at 1730 Jefferson Avenue after the applicant revised the front façade and rooftop additions to better match historic documentation.
The Historic Preservation Board on July 8 approved a revised plan to partially demolish and renovate the 1938 Art Deco residence at 1730 Jefferson Avenue, allowing an attached addition, revised rooftop elements and several variances after the applicant addressed staff and neighbor comments.
Staff recommendation and changes Planning and historic preservation staff had asked the applicant to revise the front façade treatment to be more consistent with historic documentation and to scale back a projecting rooftop overhang. Jake (staff) told the board the applicant withdrew several earlier variances and modified the rooftop plan to meet rear setback requirements. Staff wrote that the revised additions will not be visible from the primary street elevation and that the project now better preserves the contributing façade while allowing modest expansion.
Project and variances The applicant sought variances to exceed maximum lot coverage (raising lot coverage by 5 percentage points), to exceed the maximum unit size allowance and to maintain several existing nonconforming side setbacks for the main house while constructing an attached elevated terrace. Staff noted that retention of contributing homes elsewhere in the city can carry incentives; in this case staff found the overall design compatible and supportive of retaining the principal façade.
Board discussion and outcome Board members and the applicant discussed eyebrow overhang materials, the guest house massing, privacy impacts on adjacent back yards and the relationship between new rooftop terraces and neighbor sight lines. The applicant agreed to modify the eyebrow depth and material to match the historic character and to work with staff on the rooftop terrace details and screening to limit overlooking of neighbors. The board voted to approve the COA for the façade and additions subject to staff conditions and to approve the requested variances by a 6‑1 vote.
Quotes (selected) • "Staff has no objection to the design of the additions, which will not be visible from the street, but continues to recommend that the primary facade be retained and fully restored." — Jake, Planning/Historic Preservation staff • "We wanted the language to be restored so we did the mullions to the windows as the house originally had them." — Project architect (presentation)
Ending The applicant must work with staff to finalize materials, eyebrow profile and rooftop terrace screening. Staff will finalize conditions and the planning department will process the building permits consistent with HPB conditions.
