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Commission approves two Liberty Hill alteration and variance requests
Summary
The commission approved Certificates of Appropriateness and supporting variances for projects at 959–961 Valencia and 370 Lexington (both in the Liberty Hill landmark district), finding proposed work consistent with Article 10 and the Secretary of the Interior standards with conditions for mock‑ups and details.
The Historic Preservation Commission approved Certificates of Appropriateness and related zoning variances for two renovation projects in the Liberty Hill landmark district: 959–961 Valencia Street and 370 Lexington Street.
Planning staff presented both projects and recommended approval with conditions. For 959–961 Valencia, staff (Natalia Kawad) described a rear reconstruction, side‑yard expansion, front‑facade restoration based on historic evidence, replacement of nonhistoric windows with wood double‑hung windows, and limited visibility of the addition from the public right‑of‑way. The project sponsor’s architect, Leora Goran, said the owners intend to restore the Victorian building while keeping two separate flats and improving outdoor space; staff recommended conditions including mock‑ups of new facade ornament and stair‑railing details. The zoning administrator confirmed a variance was required because the proposed rear addition still encroaches on the rear yard setback; commissioners voted to approve the COA and grant the requested variance with conditions.
For 370 Lexington, Rebecca Salgado (planning staff) described removal of a utilitarian rear addition and construction of a compatible addition extending to the rear lot line, and the installation of a terraced rear yard deck. Staff concluded the proposed work preserves the building’s Italianate character and recommended approval with conditions. The project sponsor’s architect (Ernie Sealand) noted prior related work on the adjacent property and disputed any suggestion of unpermitted work; staff agreed to investigate a comment alleging previous unpermitted front‑facade work. Commissioners approved the project with conditions and the zoning administrator’s recommendation to grant a variance, citing lot depth and the structure’s historic character.
Both approvals were unanimous. Conditions include required mock‑ups, stair‑rail details, and site‑permit review to confirm proposed materials and design details match historic precedents.
