Cleveland Park Historical Society Architectural Review Committee
Monday, February 11, 2019
ARC Members attending: Christine Hobbs, David Kay, Stefan Hurray, Anne Weir, Phil Eagleburger, Tina Mead, and Lois Orr.
Carin Ruff, CPHS Executive Director, also attended.
3432 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Agent: Christopher Peli, CORE architecture + design
Built in 1922, 3432 Connecticut Avenue is one of the earliest commercial + apartment buildings in Cleveland Park. The building is separated from the sidewalk by an approximately 6 foot high berm and stairs leading to the front door. The building’s neighbor to the north is a five-story apartment building and to the south, a post office.
The proposal for 3432 Connecticut includes a two-story stepped-back addition on the existing roof, the removal of the front berm, and the construction of a new first floor at street level. The mixed-use building would have two front entrances, one for retail and the other for residential use. The existing brick on the first and second floors would be retained as the second and third floors; a new limestone base would be added at the street level; the newly constructed fourth floor would be faced with terra cotta tile and the fifth floor penthouse would be faced with metal panels.
Due to the potential significance of the proposed changes, the ARC requests that the project come back to the ARC following formal submission and the required public notices in order to encourage and facilitate public comment and involvement. Therefore, the ARC did not vote on a formal resolution this month, but has the following comments for the further development of the proposal:
The ARC has concerns about the materials proposed for the addition. ARC members also expressed concerns about the south façade and the placement of a new material directly above and in plane with on the existing brick. Suggestions included greater articulation of the south wall and the creation of a buffer between the two floors, perhaps with a horizontal band.
The ARC expects to hear this proposal again at its March 11th meeting, 7:30 pm at the Cleveland Park Congregational Church, 3400 Lowell Street, NW. The public is welcome to attend.
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