Zoning board approves major Ivy Tower restoration on Bellevue with conditions

Owners Marco Romley and their team presented a preservation‑focused plan to stabilize and restore the 136‑year‑old Tudor‑style property known as Ivy Tower at 533 Bellevue Ave. The application sought multiple dimensional variances and special‑use permits for a side porch restoration, a carriage‑house garage, a 3rd‑floor addition that exceeds the 35‑foot height limit (addition at 40.22 ft, below the existing 45.24 ft) and an increase in lot coverage from 8.8% to 13.2% driven primarily by the carriage house, restored porch and a replacement pool.

The applicant emphasized HDC review and design review approval and submitted exhibits comparing carriage‑house ratios and lot coverage to nearby properties. Two objectors represented by counsel withdrew objections after negotiating conditions: upgraded Carrier Infinity heat‑pump condensers with soundproofing (cost estimate provided by applicant), privacy screening and a stormwater management plan to be completed before a building permit is issued. The board adopted staff findings and granted the petition with those conditions in a unanimous 5–0 vote. "We've agreed on certain conditions which are acceptable to my clients," counsel for objectors said on the record.