Architecture Updates: Penthouse Proposals and Other Projects

From the Neighborhood Association of Back Bay Architecture Committee Report:

Last month the Architecture Committee reviewed several controversial proposals:

• We continue to oppose the proposed penthouse at 165 Newbury Street, even though it has been reduced in size and height. Because the building is much higher than its neighbors, it does not seem to us an appropriate location for such an addition.

• On the other hand, the penthouse proposed for 19 Marlborough Street is tucked in against the higher parapet wall of 21 Marlborough. For that reason, and because it is within the allowed height and FAR, we felt it could be appropriate

• We did not support the proposed filling in of the rear yard at 176 Commonwealth Avenue to provide additional parking. The proposal would disrupt a continuous strip of four similar garden spaces between the Vendome and 180 Commonwealth Avenue. NABB feels that the preservation of greenspace is an important element in humanizing the alleys, and for this reason continues to support the preservation of rear yards near the buildings, with parking behind where it is desired. This has been a standard layout in many areas of the Back Bay, and has worked well to provide both parking and greenspace throughout the district.

• A proposal for a pergola in the courtyard behind 0 Marlborough Street raised the question of whether it was appropriate to further constrict an already tight rear-yard space, and whether the proposal as submitted was consistent with the high design standards of the building.

• We reluctantly supported the removal of a large ailanthus behind 80 Commonwealth Avenue, since the tree was clearly damaging the adjacent foundation. However, we strongly urged the Commission to require that the tree be replaced by a mature specimen elsewhere in the rear yard.

As always, if you have questions about these or other decisions of the Architecture Committee, or if we can offer advice or information on a project, please leave a message for Sue Prindle or Jerome CooperKing, co-chairs, at the NABB office.