1. ARC-23-036 (ZON-23-050) 243 SEASPRAY AVE (COMBO) The applicant, 243 Seaspray LLC (Larry Meyer, Manager), has filed an application requesting Architectural Commission review and approval for construction of a new two-story single family residence with final hardscape, landscape and pool, requiring setback variances. This is a combination project that shall be reviewed by Town Council as it relates to zoning relief/approval.
Public Comment, Town of Palm Beach Admin
admin
almost 2 years ago
Received via email 7.25.23:
Dear ARCOM,
The most recent design for 243 Seaspray is nothing more than 3 attached boxes. It is the most boring, dull, charmless house possible.It is not in harmony with Seaspray’s historic architecture and character. It is too tall, clunky and blocky.
All the proposed windows on the front are the same. Where is the variety of fenestration, the subtle stepping back or forward of masses, the French doors, balconies with wrought iron railings? This house will add nothing to Seaspray where many landmarked houses can be found. Included below are pictures of the wonderful chimney cap and facade of the original house prior to demolition as well as examples of variety in facades and fenestration found on Seaspray. It is easy to compare their charm and interesting details with the dud that is being proposed to take its place.
The landscape plan is also not well-related to the street or to the house. It would be improved if a pair of sea grapes were planted on either side of the wall in front of the garage and trained to make an arch. This would minimize the street facing garages and break up the hardscape straight shot driveway. The gate posts seem blocky and uninspired .Wrought iron gates would add to the Mediterranean design concept. Prior residence was quite shielded from the road with a wall and hedges. The landscape design does not relate well to the architecture. Wouldn’t a fountain at the end of the front lawn be charming? The landscape and hardscape still seems a bit gimmicky. The designer might look at houses on Middle Road for how the street side landscaping relates to mediterranean style houses.
The pool seems backwards with the spa closer to the house than at the far end. Couldn’t the hardscape around the pool be consolidated next to the house and leave an entire swath of lawn on the west side of the pool? Why a loggia off the office on the north side? Why not simply a small, open terrace or lawn with a specimen tree to look at?
Finally, the application does not show the foot print of the proposed structure as compared to the other houses. Nor does the application show any of the single story houses on 50’ lots across the street from 243. Context and relationship to the existing and cherished built environment is the basis for determining if a proposed new house is in keeping with the neighborhood. This one certainly is not.
Thank you for all your hard work, attention to detail and to maintaining the high quality of architecture which makes Palm Beach extraordinarily beautiful and enduring.
Sincerely,
Received via email 7.25.23:
Dear ARCOM,
The most recent design for 243 Seaspray is nothing more than 3 attached boxes. It is the most boring, dull, charmless house possible.It is not in harmony with Seaspray’s historic architecture and character. It is too tall, clunky and blocky.
All the proposed windows on the front are the same. Where is the variety of fenestration, the subtle stepping back or forward of masses, the French doors, balconies with wrought iron railings? This house will add nothing to Seaspray where many landmarked houses can be found. Included below are pictures of the wonderful chimney cap and facade of the original house prior to demolition as well as examples of variety in facades and fenestration found on Seaspray. It is easy to compare their charm and interesting details with the dud that is being proposed to take its place.
The landscape plan is also not well-related to the street or to the house. It would be improved if a pair of sea grapes were planted on either side of the wall in front of the garage and trained to make an arch. This would minimize the street facing garages and break up the hardscape straight shot driveway. The gate posts seem blocky and uninspired .Wrought iron gates would add to the Mediterranean design concept. Prior residence was quite shielded from the road with a wall and hedges. The landscape design does not relate well to the architecture. Wouldn’t a fountain at the end of the front lawn be charming? The landscape and hardscape still seems a bit gimmicky. The designer might look at houses on Middle Road for how the street side landscaping relates to mediterranean style houses.
The pool seems backwards with the spa closer to the house than at the far end. Couldn’t the hardscape around the pool be consolidated next to the house and leave an entire swath of lawn on the west side of the pool? Why a loggia off the office on the north side? Why not simply a small, open terrace or lawn with a specimen tree to look at?
Finally, the application does not show the foot print of the proposed structure as compared to the other houses. Nor does the application show any of the single story houses on 50’ lots across the street from 243. Context and relationship to the existing and cherished built environment is the basis for determining if a proposed new house is in keeping with the neighborhood. This one certainly is not.
Thank you for all your hard work, attention to detail and to maintaining the high quality of architecture which makes Palm Beach extraordinarily beautiful and enduring.
Sincerely,
Anne Pepper
333 Seaspray Ave
Palm Beach, FL 33480