Novocure adding penthouse to oncology company's new headquarters in Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH — Novocure Inc., a global oncology company with new headquarters being built adjacent to the Worth parking lot, has received a key approval for a rooftop penthouse.

Attorney John Bosen, who represented the company at a recent city Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting, said the glass penthouse will enclose a previously approved “open air outdoor terrace of approximately 2,158 square feet" on the roof of the building.

The plan still needs approval from the city’s Historic District Commission. It would be set back from the edges of the roof, making it “practically invisible to abutters at 25 Maplewood Avenue,” Bosen said. He cited "an overwhelming amount of support from both of our neighbors and the abutters.”

“We also do believe that this project is very important for Novocure, who intends to not only use the building for its employees but to host a variety of professionals and scientists from all over the world, for training and for conferences,” Bosen said during the board meeting.

Outdoor spaces for workers, guests

The penthouse space will provide “employees and guests access to outdoor space where no green space is available at 64 Vaughan St,” where the building is located, Bosen said.

“The approved open air terrace on the top of the building is a logical place to locate this convening space,” he said, and added that the proposed glass penthouse “will also shield the rooftop mechanical units.”

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The board voted to grant the one variance the project needed because of the penthouse addition to “allow a maximum height of 47 feet where 42 is allowed” under city zoning.

Bosen said Novocure intends to employ 200-250 people in the building adjacent to the Worth lot and Vaughan Mall.

Executive offices coming to Novocure's Portsmouth building

The renovated building will be used for Novocure’s “executive offices and training and development center,” Bosen said.

The original structure was built in the late 19th century, Bosen said, and was initially home to the Margeson Bros. Furniture Co.

“Even with the additional height, the building will be shorter than many of the neighboring buildings so we see this as a reasonable request,” Bosen said.

Several people appeared in person to speak in favor of the penthouse addition, and others emailed the board to offer support.

Portsmouth business owners speak up for Novocure

John Dussi, the co-owner of a nearby building at 172 Hanover St., told the board he is “so happy that Novocure has found an opportunity to come and be part of our vibrant community.

“Not only do we have a beautiful seaport city, but now we have a place where we can say we also have a mecca of someone who’s making a difference in (people’s) lives,” he said. “Given what they’re trying to do for us … I think their request is very minimal.

“I really do believe it’s going to be a complement for that whole Portwalk (area) and bring a lot more spirit, hope and meaning to our community,” he added.

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Michael Labrie is a well-known Seacoast restauranter who co-owns Jimmy’s Blues and Jazz Club with his brother Peter.

The club is located across the Worth lot from the Novocure building.

He wrote to the board to say, “I feel that their design fits perfectly with the other buildings in our newly evolving neighborhood.”

“Additionally, Novocure is investing greatly in our community and is doing important, groundbreaking work in the field of oncology,” Labrie wrote. “This building will play an important role in the training of talented professionals from around the world in the use of their new lifesaving technologies.”

What zoning board members say about Novocure project

Board member Thomas Rossi, who made the successful motion to grant the variance, said the penthouse will mostly “not be visible in the surrounding streetscape.”

“So there is no loss to the public with regard to the appearance to the area or the character of the neighborhood,” he said.

Rossi commented that the proposed penthouse “has a nice aesthetic to it and visual appeal.”

“To the extent it is visible from some of the other areas, it’s going to look a lot better than just an open flat roof,” he said.

Board member David Rheaume, who ultimately voted to grant the variance, said the penthouse proposal marked the third time Novocure came before the board seeking a variance for a similar structure.

“My first reaction to this was, 'What part of 'no' don’t you understand?'” he said.

But Rheaume acknowledged each proposal has diminished in size since the first one, which, he said, “was essentially a fourth story.”

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Novocure adding penthouse to headquarters in Portsmouth NH