Board approves mass and scale for new Broadway amenity building, requires 2‑foot Washington Street setback

The Design Review Board approved the mass and scale for a proposed two‑story spa/amenity building at 353–365 Broadway, contingent on the applicant increasing the Washington Street front setback by two feet.

Applicant architects explained the proposal: a brick building with pilasters, precast accents, metal‑clad storefront systems, and a small plunge pool and deck. Project supporters noted the structure would be shorter than the existing parish house and would strengthen a defined streetscape. Preservation advocates and Universal Preservation Hall warned the building’s forward placement could obscure UPH’s facade and create a visual inconsistency with the block’s prevailing setbacks.

Board members debated whether it should require the applicant to seek a variance to move the building back further; some members urged caution about asking applicants to pursue additional boards for relief when their proposal meets UDO requirements. The project team said they could shift the building back another two feet without requiring a variance and offered to explore minor adjustments to fenestration and materials to build compatibility.

On a motion to approve mass and scale, the board voted in favor with the condition that the front (Washington Street) setback be increased by two feet. The board left materials, fenestration, and other architectural details for later review and instructed the applicant to return with final details that address concerns about compatibility and view corridors to UPH.