A proposal for a rooftop addition to an iconic mid-century modern townhouse at 48 Willow Place in Brooklyn Heights has sparked local controversy. The application, which seeks to build a terrace and rooftop structure, is scheduled for discussion at the upcoming meeting of Community Board 2 on November 5, 2024. A hearing with the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) is set for November 25, 2024.
The townhouse is one of three designed by architects Joseph and Mary Merz, situated within the Brooklyn Heights Historic District. Since the couple’s passing, the property has changed hands twice, with the most recent sale occurring in 2024. The latest owner commissioned prominent architect Ian Starling for sympathetic alterations aimed at modernizing the home while maintaining its historical integrity.
Concerns have been raised about how the proposed rooftop addition will impact the townhouse’s façade. Application materials indicate that the addition will be visible from the street and could disrupt the carefully composed elements that define the building’s modern and abstract design. The facades of the three Merz-designed townhouses each reference traditional elements, featuring three vertically stacked openings that hint at the columns of the earlier colonnade row that once stood on the site.
The architects’ residence includes design features echoing Greek Revival styles, such as sidelights flanking the front door. The proposed addition has drawn parallels to a similar request made over two decades ago by the owner of another Merz-designed townhouse at 40 Willow Place. In that case, the LPC ruled that any addition must remain hidden from view, stating that a visible alteration would compromise the unique sculptural quality of the buildings.
A letter submitted to Community Board 2 highlights this precedent, arguing that the same logic applies to the current proposal. “The Commission found that the unique sculptural design of these buildings would be severely compromised by a visible ‘pillbox’ roof addition,” the letter stated. The writer urged the LPC to reject any visible rooftop addition that could alter the integrity of this “unique modernist ensemble.”
Earlier this year, the new owner of 48 Willow Place received permits from the Department of Buildings (DOB) and LPC approval to reframe the roof and install skylights, as reported by Brownstoner. The chairs and secretary of Community Board 2 did not respond to a request for comment regarding the current application.
As the discussions unfold, the fate of this mid-century modern gem hangs in the balance, with community members keenly awaiting the LPC’s decision. The outcome could set a significant precedent for how historic properties in Brooklyn Heights are managed amidst ongoing demands for modern living spaces.
