Committee Holds Over Decisions to Raze 19 Dolma Road, 1 Obry Drive and 76 Birchall Drive

76 Birchall DriveSome interest in preserving a few Scarsdale homes was sparked at a meeting of the Committee for Historic Preservation at Village Hall on June 28, 2022 when the committee had four applications to demolish homes on their agenda.

Only four of the seven members of the committee were present. Since an approval requires four votes, an applicant for 19 Dolma Road asked to move their hearing to the following meeting.

That left consideration of:

-16 Butler Road
-1 Obry Drive
-76 Birchall Drive

An application to take down a split level home, built in 1952 at 16 Butler Road was filed by developer and contract vendee Shlomo Friedfertig who quickly received approval.

Next the conversation turned to 1 Obry Drive where architect Bhana Choura, representing Angela and Gary Retelny explained why they wanted to tear down the 1915 house which sits on 1.5 acres next to the Scarsdale Woman’s Club at the corner of Drake Road and Obry Drive. She said, “We had all intentions to expand and renovate the property. We were going to do a total gut renovation but when we opened up the walls we found there is a lot of damage and it would be very costly to renovate. By the time we do all the demolition we would be over 50% of the house. We are still planning on building the house that was approved by the Board of Architectural Review.”

1 Obry DriveThe applicants provided no engineers report or documentation of the damage.

CHP member Jonathan Lerner provided some historical information about the house. He said, “This may be part of the Scarsdale Woman’s Club which was the Rowsley Estate. We know that Mrs. Crane lived there. It was known as the Dognin estate. Jean Dognin had many patents and was in the fabric lace business. The family was from Paris. He lived there from 1931 to 1952.”

Another member indicated that CHP Chair Adam Lindenbaum had asked architectural historian Andrew Dolkart for an opinion on the house. To provide him with time to do the research, the decision was held over to the July 19, 2022 meeting.

Next, attorney William Maker Jr., representing PIM holdings presented an application to tear down 76 Birchall Drive, formerly the home of the Milstein family. The home is a midcentury modern on 3 acres with a pool, tennis court and out buildings. He called the home, “Obsolete my modern standards.” He said it was designed by Architect Simon Zelnik and added, “I don’t believe there are any significant architectural elements. The architectural features are not distinctive. There were two renovations to the property. The swimming pool and tennis court were not built until 1989.”

About the former occupants, Jonathan Lerner said, “George Farkas bought the property in 1949 and built the house in 1949. Farkas was the developer of Alexanders Department Stores. In 1962 they had two fires and one of them was a serious fire. The Milsteins bought the house in 1975.”

Committee member Lauren Bender offered some information about architect Simon B. Zelnik and said he is known for his design of synagogues and other notable buildings including the Elgin Theater, now the Joyce Theater. She cited an article about him in US Modernist. She said that the Barricini House, which he also designed in Scarsdale, was featured in the journal and mentioned that another one of Zelnik’s homes on Morris Lane had recently been torn down.Another midcentury modern home designed by Zelnik at 70 Morris Lane was recently torn down.

About 76 Birchall she called it a good example of midcentury modern architecture where “form follows function,” and said it was an extremely luxurious house with a five car garage. She said, “Zelnik is a named architect and we don’t have many of them left.” She discussed the way it is sited on the property and said “midcentury modern architecture is important. There are only a handful of these homes.”

Speaking to whether or not he was a master she said, “he worked for Rosario Candela, designed a playhouse in Washington DC, and the RiverdaleTemple.” Lerner said, “He is in the Cooper Union Hall of Fame, taught at NYU” and discussed additional honors.

At that point, the applicant asked if the decision could be held over to the following meeting.

During public comments, Jackie Cutler of 75 Birchall said, “Everyone notices 76 Birchall. It is an example of fine midcentury modernism on a beautiful 3 acre setting.

Ariel Stillman said, Birchall Drive is a special street.

Gayle Helman of 62 Birchall said, “The applicant and builder don’t believe this committee has any merit.” She produced a real estate listing for a new home at 78 Birchall Drive, priced at $8.7 mm. It demonstrated the builders intention to purchase 76 Birchall, subdivide the property and build two new homes on the lot. He listed it before he owned the property, had permission to tear down the existing house and subdivide.

The builder, who was present at the meeting, objected. Turning to Helman he said, “this is a personal attack.”

She continued, “The photos in the application are unbalanced – most are of the tennis court and the pool. The house was well taken care of. There are fourteen 80 year old Japanese Maples on the property. About the former owners she said, “Ruth Farkas was the Ambassador to Luxembourg. The Milsteins are a significant family who built a pavilion at Columbia Hospital, endowed a division of the New York Public Library, the whale room at the Museum of Natural History.

The application was also held over to the July 19, 2022 meeting.

Sales

35 Morris Lane, Scarsdale
Enjoy unbeatable home-court advantage in this custom built Scarsdale estate. A triple threat of sophisticated design, prime location & luxury amenities and security. After dominating your invitation-only basketball tournament, resort-like grounds await to entertain on the expansive stone patio or around the pool & pool house. Inside the 10,000+ SF quality built Colonial, generously sized interiors boast exquisite craftsmanship & design by famed architect Louise Brooks. Formal living & dining rooms lead to the gourmet kitchen, butler's pantry, enclosed patio, family room, library & home office. There's a guest suite on the main floor, while the 2nd level features an elegant owner's suite, 4 secondary suites, a study, laundry & gym. In the finished basement, you'll find a superb FULL indoor court.
Sale Price: $7,795,000
Assessed Value: $5,800,000
Real Estate Taxes: $146,290

3 Richbell Road
Unique opportunity to build your dream home on almost 2 acres of pristine property in Heathcote estates area close to town, train, shopping, library and Scarsdale High School. This land has already been cleared and ready to build. There are approved plans that were designed by renowned local architect and approved by the Board of architectural review.

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388 Clayton Road
This exquisite Contemporary home was completely remodeled and expanded using the finest materials and craftsmanship by Roz Young and Sharon Rembaum Design in 2015. This private, park like property on .92 level acres with flagstone steps lead you to a magnificent pool. The expansive bluestone patio overlooking the yard with electric awning incorporates French door access from the kitchen, dining room, family room, and master bedroom. The entry leads you in with wide plank oak floors. The open first floor flow includes a living room with fireplace, dining room with double height ceiling, gourmet kitchen, and family room with pitched ceiling and fireplace. All these rooms have oversized windows and doors to allow lots of light. An office, mudroom, powder room, and garage complete the wing. The bedroom wing contains the master bedroom with oversized closet, master bath, shower and tub, guest room and full bath. The second floor has three bedrooms, two baths, and family room.

Sale Price: $3,395,000
Assessed Value: $2,044,400
Real Estate Taxes: $81,245

2 Beechwood Lane
Classic stone front center hall colonial located in the beautiful Heathcote neighborhood of Sherbrooke Park. The fully renovated kitchen (2018) has high end appliances, counter with stools and a connecting family room. A generously sized dining room has a wood burning fireplace perfect for entertaining. The larger main family room has an additional stone fireplace, sliders to the yard and custom built ins. A perfectly placed home office has a quiet location in the home and come complete with a built in desk and a wall of windows overlooking the yard. Upstairs boasts a sunny primary bedroom suite with bathroom and walk in closet. Three additional bedrooms and two full baths finish the 2nd floor. Lower level has a playroom and ample storage. Enjoy outdoor living on the large bluestone patio which is perfect for outdoor gatherings overlooking the private level yard.

Sale Price: $2,900,000
Assessed Value: $1,529,600
Real Estate Taxes: $38,580

34 Butler Road
Bright and sun-filled Scarsdale home featuring over 4,000 sq ft of open living space with high ceilings and plenty of space to work, play and entertain. Enjoy welcoming double height grand entry foyer that leads to a spacious layout including a grand living room, large dining room, beautiful gourmet kitchen with high end appliances overlooking the breakfast area that opens into grand family room with views of pristine & private backyard. The 1st floor has 3 bedrooms 2 of which are ensuite - can also be used as home office/guest suites. Upstairs boasts a large owner’s suite with tray ceiling, large walk in closets & spa bath plus 3 additional bedrooms & 1 hall bath.

Sale Price: $2,600,000
Assessed Value: $1,825,000
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183 Bradley Road
Modern stone and clapboard home in the coveted Edgewood neighborhood of Scarsdale. The home is a highly desirable location that encompasses a sophisticated ambiance for today's discerning buyer. The bright modern interior features an open floor plan with generous room proportions. Built in 2020 by a premier local builder, this 4 bedroom 3.5 baths features hardwood floors, custom millwork & quality construction throughout. The level yard is easily accessible from kitchen which leads out to a bluestone patio. The gourmet kitchen features high end appliances & huge kitchen island with a fabulous space for entertaining. A spacious family room with gas fireplace is an extension of the kitchen for an open concept to the adjoining family rm. Primary BR has 2 custom outfitted closets, with ensuite bath.

Sale Price: $1,978,000
Assessed Value: $1,550,000
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19 School Lane
Charming and sun-filled Colonial exceptionally located within walking distance to Scarsdale train station (35 minutes to Grand Central Terminal), village shops and restaurants. Free bus to elementary and middle school. This move-in ready home features a welcoming entrance foyer, spacious living room with wood-burning fireplace, airy family room with vaulted ceiling and multitude of glass doors, formal dining room with built-in cabinet, modern kitchen with quartz countertops, SubZero, Wolf, Thermador, Miele high-end appliances and custom banquette seating. A mudroom with access to the yard and updated powder room complete this floor. The second level features a large primary bedroom with walk-in closet and en-suite bath, two sizable bedrooms and hall bath. There are two more bedrooms and hall bath on the third floor. Highlights include a multi-room dehumidifier, no visible wiring, cabling for surround sound, two-car garage with attached shed and electric dog fence. This sought after residence is situated on .22 acres of professionally landscaped property that boasts beautiful flowers in springtime.

Sale Price: $1,850,000
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152 Brite Avenue
Classic Tudor style home faithfully maintained and recently updated. The kitchen has brand new appliances, new quartz countertops, tile backsplash and tile flooring. The entire house has been freshly and neutrally painted and all the floors were refinished. All the rooms, including bedrooms are generously oversized and the home offers a surprising amount of natural light; it is bright and cheery. There is lots of level backyard space.
Sale Price: $1,740,000
Assessed Value: $988,000
Real Estate Taxes: $23,702

125 Brite Avenue
Stunning Center Hall brick Colonial in the sweet spot of the Greenacres neighborhood. Curb appeal and convenience to town and shopping. This house has an easy flow, 9' high ceilings, wood burning fireplace, hardwood floors throughout the house and oversized windows letting in an abundance of natural light. The first floor has an oversized living/family room, den/home office, large dining room and light filled kitchen. The second floor has a beautiful primary room and bathroom, two family bedrooms and bath. The third floor boasts two bedrooms and a bath, one of which is presently being used as a second home office. The lower level has an adorable play area, laundry room and lots of storage space.

Sale Price: $1,765,525
Assessed Value: $1,150,000
Real Estate Taxes: $29,005

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