Historic Commission approves 134 Pleasant Street changes but bars elevator overrun

The Historic District Commission voted to approve design changes at 134 Pleasant Street but stipulated that an elevator overrun (a visible penthouse/hoist way) not be constructed as part of the approval. The applicant had proposed an expanded penthouse and an elevator/stair overrun that would be visible from Pleasant Street; architect Tracy Kak explained the overrun would facilitate maintenance access but is not a life‑safety feature.

Commissioners raised concerns about scale, visibility from Pleasant Street and how the new rooftop elements altered the approved design. Several members said the proposed elevator overrun was too large and changed the building's relationship with neighboring brick buildings; one commissioner characterized the feature as making the building look "more like a gargantuan party favor." The applicant offered two alternatives: a simplified box‑top elevator overrun or eliminating the overrun entirely and relying on stair access for maintenance. Commissioners favored the no‑overrun option and moved to approve the application with that stipulation.

The motion to approve the application with the condition of no elevator overrun passed; the applicant was told they may return with a revised overrun design in the future if they choose to pursue one that better matches the commission's concerns. No appeal or variance was requested at the meeting.

Next step: the applicant will receive an approval conditioned on the absence of the elevator overrun; if the applicant later seeks an overrun, they were advised to return with a revised design.