Architectural board rejects Mount Kisco Design Center awning over streetscape and entrance concerns

The Mount Kisco Architectural Review Board unanimously opposed a proposed 43-foot black fabric awning with white lettering for 78 South Moger Avenue on Sept. 18, citing concerns that the canopy would obscure storefront proportions and cover a residential pedestrian entrance.

Dan Burke, representing the Mount Kisco Design Center, proposed a shed-style awning to visually tie separate window bays into a single storefront and noted the awning would project about 3 feet 6 inches. Board members said the awning would cover the apartment entry and disrupt the building's architectural rhythm. "You can't have a sign for a store that covers up the pedestrian entrance to one or two floors of residential apartment use," Chairman Frank Tortorello said, adding that an awning should relate to the building's architectural features rather than merely covering them.

Ms. Abramson said she was reluctant to approve the awning without a clearer understanding of planned changes to the rest of the building; Mrs. Chadwick said the downtown context differs from midtown examples cited by the applicant. Mr. Burke said changes to doors or storefronts would require a future application, but the board said approving the awning without a full storefront plan could create an irreversible mismatch if later alterations occurred.

Mrs. Chadwick moved to vote on the awning as presented; Ms. Abramson seconded. The board members voted opposed and the motion failed. The applicant did not receive approval to install the awning as proposed; any future storefront changes will require separate applications and board review.

The board's denial centered on preserving the pedestrian-scale identity of the downtown streetscape and ensuring signage and canopies respect mixed residential and commercial uses on the property.