GREENWICH, CT — A resident who recently purchased a waterfront home for $27.75 million in the exclusive Belle Haven section of Greenwich wants to knock it down and build a larger mansion, according to an application submitted to the Planning & Zoning Commission.
On June 21, the commission discussed the pre-application for the proposal.
The pre-application process allows for a non-binding discussion with the commission about the pros and cons of a proposal before a substantial investment is made in developing plans, reports and studies.
There are two lots on the property — 17 Smith Road, which is vacant, and 23 Smith Road, where there is currently a seven-bedroom, single-family colonial and pool with views of Greenwich Harbor.
The property at 23 Smith Road sold in May 2021 for a record price, Houlihan Lawrence said. Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch’s new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.
According to Christopher Bristol, the attorney representing the applicant, the project would merge the two properties, tear down the house and pool, and construct a new single family house with a total floor area of 15,288 square feet.
A new outdoor pool would be constructed, and underground fitness facilities totaling 4,887 square feet of floor area are proposed. The fitness facilities include a gym area, indoor pool and a paddle tennis court, according to documents associated with the application.
The existing garage would be converted into an art studio space, and a cottage in the front of the property would be maintained and renovated, Bristol said. An additional 1,728 square foot underground garage would be built.
“The house and all amenities on the property are for the sole use of the owner, the owner’s family, and guests,” Bristol said in application documents.
Commissioner Nick Macri said he understood the design of the proposed house, but wanted more information on “what’s happening inside.”
“I’m looking at a basement laundry that’s 1,100 square feet in a single-family. That’s a little strange to me,” Macri told Bristol. “So when you return, if we could have a little more definition as to what’s happening in the house and how this works that would be a good idea.”
Planning and Zoning Chair Margarita Alban said the commission is going to be concerned about the project’s impact on coastal resources. “Because you are in the coastal zone, we would like you to think about that,” she said, mentioning buffer plantings on the property.
