Historic preservation commission approves rooftop deck for 318 Park Avenue

At a special-call meeting Aug. 27, the Newport Historic Preservation Commission voted to approve Certificate of Appropriateness HP2500598, allowing a rooftop deck and internal stair at 318 Park Avenue. The commission found, based on staff evidence and testimony at the hearing, that the proposed deck would not be highly visible from the street or sidewalk and would not affect the building's primary facade.

Staff reported that the building’s character-defining parapet wall and an ongoing storefront restoration were primary considerations in reviewing the proposal. The applicant moved the deck farther back after staff feedback; staff said the final setback is a little over 5 feet from the parapet. Staff also presented sight-line graphics showing that the proposed railing would be obscured from the opposite sidewalk by parapet variations and street-level features.

Staff described the proposed materials as a simple black aluminum railing; the commission noted that local building code requires rooftop railings to be at least 36 inches high and that the parapet’s highest section measures about 39 inches. The applicant also proposed a spiral stair set into an existing light well rather than added roof bulk, which staff said reduced visibility from public walkways.

Applicant Molly Hartman, who identified herself at the podium as the owner at 318 Park, told the commission that the front-facing view toward Mount Adams informed the decision to place the deck toward the front of the building rather than the rear. She said the design team adjusted the setback after staff feedback.

A commissioner moved to approve COA HP2500598 based on the guidelines that rooftop decks be set so they are not highly visible from the public right of way and that the project would not negatively affect the East Row local historic district. The motion was seconded and passed with five votes in favor; one commissioner, Commissioner Carter, recused from the item because of proximity to the project.

Staff told the applicant they would follow up the next business day about required paperwork and next steps for building permits and certificate issuance.

The decision applies only to the design aspects reviewed by the commission; any building permits or code compliance requirements remain subject to separate city or state permitting processes.