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Summit planning board approves rooftop addition, adaptive reuse at former Bank of America on Springfield Avenue
Summary
The Summit Planning Board unanimously approved a minor site-plan application from SAF Summit LLC to adaptively reuse the old Bank of America at 367 Springfield Ave, including a 913 sq ft third‑floor addition, window replacements, HVAC relocation and interior warm‑shell renovations; conditions include required construction plans and maintenance of adjacent tree pits.
The Summit Planning Board voted to approve a minor site-plan application from SAF Summit LLC on the former Bank of America building at 367 Springfield Avenue, authorizing interior warm‑shell renovations and a 913‑square‑foot third‑floor addition set back behind the existing parapet.
The applicant, represented by attorney Hilary Alts of Dempsey Dempsey & Sheehan, said the project will preserve the building’s historic exterior while modernizing interior systems and creating retail space on the first floor and office space on the upper floors. Kieran Flanagan, a principal at Saxon Real Estate and part owner of the property, testified that the proposal requires no variances and involves no site‑level changes to the building footprint.
Architect Nancy Daugherty of Studio 1200 described the addition as a glass‑clad box set behind the balustrade so it is not visible from Springfield Avenue; she said the third‑floor addition will total 913 square feet and that all windows will be replaced with products coordinated with the Historic Preservation Commission’s recommendations. Daugherty said the project increases gross floor area from 14,474 to 16,612 square feet (FAR from 218% to 250%), which is within Summit’s 300% maximum for the CRBD zone.
The board’s professionals confirmed the application meets applicable building‑code and fire‑separation requirements, that the structure will be fully sprinklered and accessible (including a new elevator), and that rooftop equipment will be screened and located within the allowed rooftop‑equipment area. The applicant agreed to provide the plans identified by the construction official and to maintain three tree pits adjacent to Beachwood Road as a condition of approval.
Board members asked about potential noise impacts from relocating mechanical equipment to the highest roof; the architect said modern equipment is quieter, will be screened and is set back from property lines. The applicant also confirmed tenants and visitors would use nearby municipal parking lots and that trash would be handled by a private hauler from the basement.
The Historic Preservation Commission supplied written guidance and, according to the architect, expressed support for the adaptive reuse approach. Board members commended the project’s emphasis on preserving the banking hall’s significant interior features where feasible; the applicant said the intent is to retain the ceiling and other character elements "as much as possible." The architect also said the roof will not be used as tenant amenity space.
After discussion and incorporation of the construction officer’s conditions, a motion to approve the application carried in a roll‑call vote with recorded affirmative votes by Vice Chairwoman Bolson Alvarez, Mister Spurr, Mister Formicelli, Mister Stern, Mister Bell and Chairman Zucker.
The board’s approval was granted as a minor site plan with standard conditions: submission of the construction‑official plans, compliance with administrative reports, and the tree‑pit maintenance commitment. The applicant may now proceed with required permit applications and any building permits necessary to implement the approved scope of work.
