837 Camp St

Description: Detail review of new construction of 81,500 SF, six-story commercial building.

Previous ARC Recommendations:

9/21/21: The ARC voted to defer this application for additional review. The ARC stated that the updated drawings should reflect the actual dimensions of the existing sidewalk and utilities in relation to the proposed balcony. The ARC recommended shortening the balconies to 4’ in depth and separating the front and side balconies, as well as the roof overhang, to give the building a more prominent corner. The ARC recommended that all the pilasters be the same width, including the one on the far right. The ARC stated that the two-garage door configuration was not successful and that removing the center garage door would help balance the first-floor façade and the verticality of the overall building. The ARC also suggested that the rooftop landscaping should be small foliage like bushes rather than trees. 

7/20/21: The ARC recommended conceptual approval of the massing with the details to be worked out at the ARC level, provided that the BZA grants the height waiver. The ARC agreed that Option 2 was more successful. However, they suggested that the vertical masonry pilasters carry all the way up on the third and fourth floors. The ARC also recommended that the bays be equally spaced across the façade or that the fenestration pattern becomes more asymmetric, so the offset appears more intentional. The vertical pilasters should also carry down through the first floor as much as possible (currently the one to the right is interrupted by the garage door). The ARC noted that the two-garage door configuration was not successful and that removing the center garage door would help balance the first floor façade and the verticality of the overall building. The ARC also recommended that the wrap around balcony should be separate front and side balconies and that the cross bracing should be consistent in plain and elevation. 

4/20/21: The ARC agreed that the proposed design, which creates the appearance of a two-story historic building with a contemporary addition above, is not successful and creates a false narrative. As the whole building is new, it should be designed holistically from the ground up. The ARC felt the contemporary steel and glass portion was more successful, but a more traditional style could also be used, as long as it is cohesive throughout. The ARC also had concerns about the two separate garage entrances, since they take up such a large percentage of the ground floor facade. It would be preferable if the garage could be reworked so that the ramp can be entered from the interior and a second garage door is not required.

Previous Commission Actions:

8/4/21: Grant conceptual approval of the massing with the details to be worked out at ARC level, provided that the height waiver and multiple garage openings are granted. 

7/7/21: Defer action on the application to allow the applicant to continue to work with the ARC on the design. 

Context Photos:

Current Drawings:

Previous Drawings:

Street View: