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Design Review Board halts approval for 140 Grand; asks applicant for accurate drawings and schedules staff workshop
Summary
The board declined to approve the 140 Grand Avenue proposal at July 10, finding the submitted drawings diagrammatic and inconsistent. Members requested accurate, dimensionally correct drawings (or focused blow‑ups and samples), asked staff to set a workshop, and offered to supply a list of corrections.
The Design Review Board extensively reviewed a significant exterior modification and addition proposal for 140 Grand Avenue on July 10 but did not grant approval. Board members praised the applicant’s intent but found submitted drawings incomplete and diagrammatic—missing key window, cornice and chimney dimensions and lacking consistent elevations—making it impossible to ascertain how the new work will integrate with the original building.
Christopher (board member) and Britt Savage volunteered detailed guidance on window casing widths, drip caps, fascia and corner‑board dimensions, and recommended modest additional shadow lines (window sill, cap and a small fascia reveal) to improve the addition without high architectural fees. Board members and at least one audience member also recommended destructive testing to confirm underlying conditions, though asbestos and duplex status complicates that option.
The board and Chair asked staff (Beige) to arrange a procedural workshop with the applicant so the board can provide a list of identified inaccuracies and required details. Several board members offered to prepare and forward a consolidated list of corrections to staff so the applicant can obtain accurate construction drawings or targeted detail blow‑ups. No final vote was taken; the application is paused pending more precise drawings and an administrative follow‑up.
