Landmarks Preservation Commission Approves Alterations at 109 State Street in the Brooklyn Heights Historic District

The Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) recently approved proposals to renovate and partially replace an aging masonry façade at 109 State Street in Brooklyn Heights. The property’s location within the Brooklyn Heights Historic District requires strict LPC approval of any proposed construction or modifications.

The Greek Revival style rowhouse sits at the corner of State Street and Sidney Place, and was originally completed in 1839. Today, the building is showing clear signs of age, particularly at the rear of the property. At this elevation, portions of the façade are crumbling or infiltrated by invasive plants, portions of the yard’s wood fencing are deteriorated, and guardrails outside a third-floor terrace have rusted.

Existing conditions at 109 State Street at the property’s rear elevation – CWB Architects

Existing conditions at 109 State Street along Sidney Place – CWB Architects

Renderings from CWB Architects, the lead design studio for the proposed restoration, reveal a full refresh of the building’s exterior elements. At the rear elevation, new bluestone steps will lead to the basement, a new window-wall façade will feature paneled wood infill with a cream and dark blue finish, and the metal railings surrounding the third floor terrace will be replaced. The unsightly brick wall at the first two floors will also be removed, improving the flow of light into the structure.

Along Sidney Place, renderings illustrate a new oriel window at the first floor with a copper-clad roof, a new oval window at the second floor, and an enlarged window at the third floor. The window is designed to resemble the building’s original oriel window that was removed during a previous renovation.

Rendering of 109 State Street [rear, left] after renovation – CWB Architects

Existing conditions at 109 State Street [rear, left] along Sidney Place – CWB Architects

Rendering of 109 State Street [rear, left] along Sidney Place after renovation – CWB Architects

Existing conditions at 109 State Street [rear, left] along Sidney Place – CWB Architects

Rendering of 109 State Street [rear, left] along Sidney Place after renovation – CWB Architects

The roof of the property will support an outdoor roof deck, a new solar array to improve energy performance, and an angled bulkhead to reduce street-level visibility.

On June 22, LPC Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the proposals on the grounds that the work will not diminish the special architectural and historic character of the building nor the historic district. It is not clear when construction at the property might begin.

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