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Commission approves third‑floor addition at 189 Merced after neighbor objections
Summary
A discretionary review over a proposed partial third‑story addition at 189 Merced Avenue ended with the commission approving the design as proposed after neighbors argued it would break the block's roofline; staff and the architect said revisions reduced height and fit neighborhood context.
Tom Wong (Planning Department) presented a discretionary review for a proposed partial third‑floor addition at 189 Merced Avenue, noting that staff found the revised proposal compatible with block character and that the third story was set back and reduced in height. Neighbor Richard Reinholt, who lives two houses down, said the addition would "disrupt the flow down the block" and urged a lower roofline to preserve stair‑step roof character.
Project architect Jan Threlkeld and owner Sten Lundquist argued the design preserved the house's architectural character; Threlkeld said the addition had been reduced and that the design aims for continuity with the home's existing chalet/cottage style. Several neighbors submitted materials and photographs illustrating both viewpoints.
Commissioners discussed staircase stepping, adjacent context and the trade‑off between architectural integrity and neighborhood character. After debate, the commission voted to approve the project as proposed, with several commissioners noting community outreach and the limited nature of the changes.
Ending: The commission approved the addition; the applicant may proceed with permit processing under standard conditions.
