BAR defers review of 808 North Washington 48-unit project after massing and material concerns

The Board of Architectural Review voted to defer a certificate-of-appropriateness application for 808 North Washington Street, a proposed 48-unit residential building, after public comment and board critique focused on massing, materials and the treatment of an adjacent historic townhouse.

Why it matters: The project's height (50-foot envelope), façade composition and use of contemporary materials for visible façades prompted HAF and nearby stakeholders to urge more traditional brick and stronger setbacks to reduce the perceived scale next to standing historic residences. The applicant presented two façade color options (gray and red brick) and emphasized detailed brick relief; the BAR and public urged more red-brick precedent materials and a restoration commitment for the existing townhouse.

Key concerns and requests - Materiality: Multiple BAR members and HAF urged reducing visible fiber cement on the Washington Street elevation and using more brick. The applicant said the gray option was included but many commenters preferred red brick and masonry detailing to better reflect Washington Street standards. - Historic townhouse: HAF asked for a condition requiring restoration of the neighboring historic townhouse exterior (including windows and doors) and a timeline for completion; BAR members echoed the need to show how the townhouse restoration will be funded and scheduled. - Massing and setbacks: Public commenters and some board members said the project's north façade reads as a large plane and recommended additional setbacks for the fourth and fifth floors (and vertical modulation) to reduce the appearance of bulk, particularly adjacent to the townhouse. - Fenestration and cornice articulation: Several board members suggested varying window types and cornice profiles to read as smaller, separate building bays rather than one continuous wall.

Applicant response and schedule The applicant, Eric Colbert (architect) and representatives said they were open to continued work and had already adjusted materials, hyphen setbacks, stoop restoration and brick detailing since earlier concept conversations. The applicant requested a deferral to incorporate BAR comments; the BAR approved the deferral and staff indicated the next hearing could be scheduled for the BAR meeting of July 16, 2025.

Requested deliverables for next submission - Reduced exterior fiber-cement areas visible from Washington and Madison streets or alternative material samples without exposed fasteners - Brick samples (color and bond) and a proposal for red brick where appropriate - A restoration plan and schedule for the adjacent historic townhouse (materials and window specifications) - Revised north façade composition with added recesses or fenestration variations

The BAR will take the revised submission up at the next available hearing date.