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Historic‑resource addition at 1526 Masonic put on hold: commission seeks alternatives, sets March 5 return
Summary
A proposal to add a rear‑yard workshop/cottage behind a historic Maybach house drew objections from adjacent neighbors over mid‑block open space and visual impacts. The commission directed the sponsor to explore code‑compliant alternatives, provide a tree protection/site survey and a more robust landscape and noise mitigation plan, and continued the item to March 5.
The Planning Commission continued a public‑initiated discretionary review challenging a proposed rear‑yard addition behind the Maybach house at 1526 Masonic Avenue. Staff recommended approving the project with conditions including mechanical air filtration, restricted hours and a developed landscape/tree protection plan. Neighbors and architect Neil Schwartz argued the proposal would compromise the blocks mid‑block open space, could set an undesirable precedent for future rear‑yard development, and asked that the project be relocated into the property's buildable area or reduced in height and massing.
Project counsel Jeremy Paul and the applicant countered that the proposed placement at the rear of the lot better preserves the historic front house and that new screening planting (podocarpus and existing hornbeams) would maintain privacy. Staff said an arborist report, tree protection plan and specific noise mitigation measures (including an exhaust system) should be provided as conditions.
Commissioners requested additional visuals showing code‑compliant alternatives within the buildable envelope, justification for the proposed height and a clear program showing whether the rear structure is intended as a future dwelling unit or as a PDR/workshop. Commissioners also asked staff to perform an informal check‑in with Historic Preservation Commission officers and for the sponsor to provide a full site survey showing existing trees and the proposed landscape plan.
The Commission continued the matter to March 5 with direction to the applicant to develop alternative schemes, provide site and tree surveys and refine the program and mitigation measures.
