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Commission weighs design for narrow single‑family at 520 Brook Road; staff urges masonry and clearer entry sequence
Summary
At a conceptual review, staff and commissioners urged the applicant for 520 Brook Road to consider masonry instead of shiplap siding, reverse the entrance hierarchy so the Brook Road door reads as the primary entry, and confirm setbacks and air‑rights for a rooftop terrace.
At a conceptual review, the Commission of Architectural Review and staff provided detailed feedback to the designer for a proposed two‑story single‑family house with a rooftop terrace at 520 Brook Road in the Jackson Ward Historic District.
Staff described the lot as a small triangular parcel that constrains the footprint and said the proposal will require a special use permit. Staff recommended strengthening the architectural hierarchy of the front facade by designating a clear main entrance facing Brook Road, increasing window openings to improve street transparency if feasible, confirming setback and balcony encroachment through zoning/SUP review, screening rooftop mechanical equipment, and submitting final color and material samples for review.
Applicant Chris Rehnall said the design evolved over several years and that the project aims to use natural materials and sustainability features, including a livable green roof; Rehnall said he hoped to use materials such as brick or narrow Roman‑style brick, cork siding or charred cedar but sought staff guidance on acceptable “natural” materials.
Commissioners and staff repeatedly recommended brick or masonry for the primary facade given the lot’s visibility and the block’s character. Several commissioners suggested relocating the internal stair to allow more fenestration on the Brook Road elevation and asked the applicant to reconsider the rooftop railing material and how the balcony relates to the adjacent property. One commissioner encouraged the applicant to explore whether a small, city‑owned right‑of‑way near the lot could be acquired or otherwise negotiated to provide additional buildable frontage.
Staff and commissioners emphasized that the triangular site presents a design opportunity but also calls for careful proportioning, cornice definition and attention to pedestrian orientation. The applicant will return with revised plans and material samples as part of the SUP and permit review processes.
