Dobbs Ferry HRB approves Master’s School theater renovation at 49 Clayton Avenue

The Architectural and Historic Review Board of the Village of Dobbs Ferry granted approval for the Master’s School theater renovation at 49 Clayton Avenue, voting to adopt a resolution based on the board’s findings and the plan set dated 05/26/2026.

Presenters included the school’s representatives and the project architect. Architect Bailey Topper described a design that reuses existing steel and interior concrete while bumping the theater exterior out about 10 feet to create an accessible lobby and ramp, add updated mechanical systems and expand the seating area so the upper‑school student body can be accommodated. Exterior work includes a standing‑seam zinc entry, a cedar trellis, a low‑maintenance green roof, and restoration and reinstallation of historic stained glass with an insulated interior glazing layer.

Topper said the intention was to "nestle" the new entry into the campus landscape so it would "not compete" with the historic stonework on adjacent buildings. Board members asked about green‑roof maintenance and whether the restored stained glass would be insulated; Topper said sedum trays with integrated irrigation keep the green roof low maintenance and that the stained glass will be set in new wooden frames with a fixed insulated window inside for code performance.

The board read and adopted a resolution granting HRB approval subject to conditions and referencing the submitted plans. The resolution was moved and seconded and passed by voice vote during the meeting.

Next steps: the project will proceed through building‑permit review for the interior work and implementing conditions noted in the HRB resolution; the applicant indicated some additional exterior details (such as extended green‑roof treatment) may be pursued subject to budget.