Try again and you shall succeed. That must be your motto when dealing with the Landmarks Preservation Commission. On Tuesday, the LPC heard the second presentation for a four-story residential building at 112 Atlantic Avenue in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. This time, the commissioners saw fit to approve the proposal.
The building, which is at the corner of Henry Street, will replace an existing gas station. The gas station has been there since about 1960.
Previous design for 112 Atlantic Avenue
Among the concerns the first time around were the base of the building, the transition between the first and second floors, the transition from the Henry Street side to its neighbor, and the size of the roof bulkhead. The base, especially on Atlantic, has been beefed up. Masonry has been introduced between the first and second floors and the signage will now be the same size as the adjacent building with signage. The large Henry Street garage door is also now dramatically smaller in size. The roof bulkhead has been reduced by one story and the material on the rear chimney has been changed from brick to stucco.
LPC chair Meenakshi Srinivasan said the team from BKSK was “responsive” to their requests and said the revised design was a “much needed improvement.” Commissioner Diana Chapin applauded the “stronger base.” Commissioner Frederick Bland was happy that they were able to very much keep the spirit of the original proposal. He said the LPC’s job isn’t to redesign proposed buildings, but to “tweak” them so they fit.
The building will have eight residential units, commercial space on the ground floor, and a nine-space automated parking garage. According to the last presentation, the commercial use of the first floor will require a variance from the Board of Standards and Appeals. Nobody seemed to anticipate that being a problem.
Evan Bindelglass is a local freelance journalist, photographer, cinephile, and foodie. You can e-mail him, follow him on Twitter @evabin, or check out his personal blog.
Talk about 112 Atlantic Avenue on the YIMBY Forums
For any questions, comments, or feedback, email [email protected]
Subscribe to YIMBY’s daily e-mail
Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates
Like YIMBY on Facebook
Follow YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews
