In a recent government meeting, a proposal for a rear deck installation at a historic townhouse in Brooklyn's Carroll Gardens Historic District was discussed. The project, presented by the architect representing Brook Landscape, aims to enhance the property located at 309 Carroll Street by constructing an 8-foot by 15-foot deck at the parlor level, complete with a staircase leading down to the garden.
The proposal includes replacing an existing window with a door for deck access, modifying the garden wall, and making cosmetic upgrades to the garden area. The architect emphasized the intention to maintain the building's historic character while introducing modern elements, such as bluestone pavers and a black-painted steel structure for the deck and railings.
During the meeting, Commissioner Chapin raised a question regarding the color of the existing stucco garden wall, which sparked a brief discussion about its relevance to the proposal. The Victorian Society of New York expressed support for the project, noting that the changes to the rear facade would be minimal and that the visible balcony would not detract from the building's aesthetic. They suggested incorporating additional detailing into the door design.
Brooklyn Community Board 6 also recommended approval of the project, contingent upon the proposed bluestone coping being thicker and wider. The architect confirmed that revisions had been made to address these concerns, ensuring the coping would match the existing wall's dimensions.
The meeting concluded without further public comments, and the proposal is set to move forward, reflecting a balance between preservation and modernization in the historic district.