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After heated hearings, commission approves modified addition at 611 Buena Vista with 3‑foot setback
Summary
A disputed proposal to add a third story to a 20‑foot carriage house at 611 Buena Vista West drew intense neighborhood opposition. The commission ultimately approved a modified design requiring a roughly three‑foot setback adjacent to a historic turret, passing 5–2.
The commission considered a highly contested discretionary‑review application for a vertical addition to a 20‑foot lot at 611 Buena Vista West. Neighbors and multiple speakers argued the proposed rooftop addition would intrude on light, privacy and views for adjacent historic houses and Buena Vista Park. Doctor requesters pointed to a prior (2002) controversy and urged denial of any vertical expansion to protect the emerging historic fabric.
The project sponsor and architect argued the site is already modern and that a modest third story would allow the owners to form a family home, and noted the design had evolved over several years. After extended public testimony and lengthy commissioner debate, the commission approved the project on a 5–2 vote requiring the addition to be set back about three feet at the corner nearest the turret to preserve sight lines and reduce apparent massing; Commissioners Antonini and Hillis voted no.
