A Better Alternative

This rendering, released last February by the NewCAL Design Review Committee, is what a renovated building with an addition might look like. Unfortunately NewCal went forward with the plans for demolition, instead preserving the exterior of the building.

If the designers had given greater weight to the views of neighbors and preservationists, they likely would have made historic preservation a higher priority and might have moved forward with a plan similar to this one.

The groundwork is already done for this Add/Reno design, which is more desirable than the most recent demolition design for the following reasons:

• Keeps larger setbacks and maintains the front park, preserving green space

• Maintains the original brick and mortar exterior, instead of imitation brick veneer

• Fits the streetscape and is proportional with the size of the parcel

• Retains the current façade, while at the same time increasing the available space

The Add/Reno scheme is a healthy compromise that meets the needs of residents and seniors. We ask the design team to revisit the matter and return to something like this earlier, traditional version.