A residential elevator tower rising conspicuously above a fictional Craftsman home denied Wednesday that it has any knowledge of the building’s third floor.
The tower appears on plans as a “vertical convenience feature” extending from the garage level to a rooftop room containing chairs, windows and every visible characteristic of somewhere a person might go.
“It does not create another story,” said consultant Ella Vation. “It simply transports occupants to a height at which a story might coincidentally occur.”
Reviewers questioned why the elevator control panel contains buttons marked 1, 2 and “Definitely Not 3.” Vation said the final button refers to mechanical equipment and a small hospitality area for people waiting to inspect it.
Height remains a matter of perspective
The project team measured the house from a carefully selected point where the bluff, driveway and optimism briefly reach the same elevation. From there, the elevator penthouse is said to remain within the spirit of the height limit, though not necessarily within viewing distance of it.
An alternative design would classify the tower as a cupola. To support that interpretation, the architect added decorative vents, a weather vane and a note explaining that the elevator cab should think of itself as a bell.
Neighbors asked whether the rooftop landing could become an occupied room. The applicant said occupancy would be prohibited except for family, guests, caterers, musicians and anyone already inside when the inspector arrives.
The elevator has retained counsel and will answer no further questions above the second floor.
The structure keeps expanding.
See how an approachable porch resolves the remaining concerns.