The project would demolish the existing structure at 8283 Prestwick Dr with something much larger, including a roof deck and new view corridor.

Plans to replace a home on Prestwick Drive in La Jolla received approval at the La Jolla Shores Planned District Ordinance Advisory Board’s Sept 17 meeting. 

The proposed build would demolish the existing 5,228-square-foot, two-story house and construct a new 8,185-square-foot, two-story house at 8283 Prestwick Dr. 

The home, on the east side of the street, will fit in with the others on that same side which are all two-story homes, architect Paul Benton said. The homes on the opposite side of the street are limited to one story, he said, so the 8283 Prestwick build will have a “magnificent view” facing west.

The proposed setbacks on the 90-foot-wide lot are from about 4 to 5.5 feet on the north side; 19 feet in front (west); 20 on the south side and 112 feet in the rear (east). 

And with the driveway reoriented to the south side with a south-facing garage, “we’re actually proposing something that’s unique,” Benton said, as the new driveway will result in a little view corridor and passersby will be able to see a canyon view from the street.

On the north side, where the house is only a few feet from the neighbors, Benton has designed a two-story wall largely devoid of windows except for five narrow panes, in consideration of privacy and light pollution.

Benton has also reached out to the neighbors to ask their feedback on the design, he said, and is willing to modify window placement and size if there are objections.

Plans were also created with an awareness of the street frontage, Benton said, which has been reduced from the existing house’s 88 to 81 feet.

There is a roof deck measuring 1,674 square feet on a lower roof section for protection from the wind. 

The size of the roof deck is of “considerable concern to” advisory board member Kathleen Neil, who asked if the applicant is willing to reduce the size of the deck, citing noise and light impact to adjacent properties with large groups on the deck.

Benton responded the deck is in the center of the property, with buffers on either side formed by a staircase, planters and more. 

“The lighting has to be really understated,” added Benton, so as to add to “the excitement and the enjoyment of the view.”

Board member Sherri Lightner raised her concern that the south side might be more than the 30-foot limit allowable by the municipal code due to a lower elevation on that end of the property and confusing details in the drawing.

Benton responded he will clarify the information.

The advisory board unanimously recommended the project for approval, subject to the following modifications: That Benton ensures conformity with the La Jolla Shores Planned District Ordinance height limits on the driveway side; and considers a request to reduce size of the roof deck.

“It’s a beautiful project,” Neil said.