Church seeks height variance

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church is seeking approval of a variance for a

new structure on the 400 block of Mermaid Avenue that would be eight

feet higher than is permitted in the area.

The church has proposed to demolish a 1930s-era Italian

Renaissance-style building and replace it with a new Craftsman-style

three-story structure.

The building would be used for classrooms, offices and a social

hall that would host activities such as weddings and funerals.

Representatives of Bissell Architects, hired by the church to

design the new structure, claim the property is at a disadvantage

compared to others with similar zoning classifications because of a

steep decline that limits the ability to build within the one-story

and 12-foot height limits.

In its application, St. Mary’s officials claim that “other

properties immediately adjacent to the subject site all enjoy the

right of exceeding the current height limits in downtown.”

At a Sept. 14 planning commission meeting, chairwoman Anne Johnson

said she is concerned not only with the three-story height but also

with the structure’s potential to disrupt the design consistency of

existing one- and two-story buildings in the area.

Some commissioners were concerned that allowing a three-story

structure may make it easier for future projects to follow suit,

which would violate city mandates to keep building heights under

control.

While acknowledging the city’s intentions, Glen Gellatly of

Bissell Architects makes the case that the proposed structure “needs

to be of size to function.”

Gellatly said that limiting the design to two stories would render

the classrooms windowless and create a split-level social hall. The

architect also adds that the third story of the structure is minimal,

serving as an entrance area.

Parking concerns were also brought forward by neighbors, who

believe a new social hall would attract more traffic to the area.

The hillside location may convince commissioners to approve

variances for the structure.

“Nothing would make me vote for a variance on flat land,” said

commissioner Norm Grossman.

The project is expected to return to the planning commission on

October 12.