Commission asks for alternatives and samples for rooftop railing at 47642 South Front Street; continues application

The Historic Resources Commission continued review of application CUA 2400133 for alterations and a rooftop addition at 47642 South Front Street after commissioners expressed concerns about the proposed perforated-metal parapet and the visibility of rooftop mechanical equipment.

At the April meeting staff summarized prior feedback: commissioners had questioned whether the originally proposed perforated-metal railing would read as a solid mass from the street and asked if glass or a more open railing might better match the building’s context. Staff noted the applicant revised materials to add a trellis with vines on the rooftop and to change the mechanical railing finish to a black custom color. Staff recommended continuing the application so the applicant could submit revised materials that address the commission’s comments.

Jake Bugo and Jennifer Ruffner, who identified themselves as architects working on the project, told commissioners the project team considered glass but rejected it for cost reasons and because they believed a more enclosed railing would provide users with a greater sense of enclosure on the narrow roof. "It is more expensive to go that route," the applicant said, adding that a more enclosed rail would also help screen rooftop furniture from the street. The applicant also confirmed the mechanical rail had been revised to a dark finish and that the rooftop railing would be set back from the parapet as much as the mechanical layout allows.

Commissioners urged the applicant to provide additional product alternatives, samples and scaled elevations and asked to see how the rail would look from pedestrian viewpoints. One commissioner asked the applicant to provide “lighter” perforated options or other open railing systems and requested the applicant work with a small group of commissioners and staff to review samples. The commission also asked for clearer 2-D drawings that match the renderings and for pedestrian-scale perspectives that show the building in the context of adjacent facades.

A motion to continue CUA 2400133 carried. The applicant and staff agreed to reconvene with a subcommittee of commissioners to review railing samples and refined drawings before the application returns to the full commission.