Upgrades to a pair of well-known Westport properties are on the agenda for next Tuesday’s Architectural Review Board Meeting (April 23, 7:30 p.m., Zoom).
Members will review a proposed façade modification and use of existing ancillary building for a floral studio and storage at 561 Post Road East.
That’s the small, gray 1900-era building — one of the last examples of a single-family house on the Post Road — owned by Terrain, at the corner of Crescent Road.
In 2011 — as part of its application process to open in town — Terrain agreed to preserve the house. They also promised not to use it for storage. That way, it would not count toward the number of parking spots needed.
In 2013, Terrain tried to gain 8 spaces by knocking down the house. The Planning & Zoning Commission denied their request.
For years, the house has been used for storage. Recently, Terrain replaced the roof.
The plan they’ll present to the ARB shows 642 square feet, where florists will build large custom planters for customers. The remaining 1,147 square feet would be used for storage.
The Terrain auxiliary building today (top), and the proposed renovation (bottom).
Renovations to the Inn at Longshore — long awaited, and much needed — are also on the ARB docket.
Interior work includes a new HVAC system, replacement of windows and doors, more guest rooms (and renovation of current rooms), updated ballroom and drawing rooms, updated lobby, completely remodeled kitchen, plumbing and electrical upgrades, and ADA compliance updates.
Architect Ken Nadler has proposed a new entrance with a porte cochère.
Other exterior renovations include a series of patios extending across the length of the building with access to the lawn and shoreline, new landscaping, upgraded exterior lighting and signage, and replacement of siding and roofing.
Site improvements also include a new drive entrance, enhanced parking, and a robust landscaping plan.
The current Inn at Longshore … (Photo/Amy Rizzuto Photography)
… and the proposed new look.
Enhanced patio behind La Plage restaurant.
A new terrace off the ballroom.
A third agenda item involves a much less visible property.
Greens Farms Academy plans an addition to an existing athletic facility, to include a fitness center, locker rooms and offices. The existing maintenance facility behind it would be demolished, with those offices relocated in the new building.
Artist’s rendering of Greens Farms Academy’s new athletic addition (right). The existing building is on the left.
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The Long Shore potential improvements look great!
So, just so I understand: Terrain used the building for storage even though they were not allowed to; there was no enforcement of the 2011 agreement; and now they’re coming back and asking to use it (mostly) for storage again?
Isn’t Terrain leasing the property? Is a lessee allow to tear down the building they’re leasing from the owner?
Is the preservation of the house apart of their lease? If they renovate should they have to abide by historical guidelines?