2014-02-19-HC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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SUMMARY: Mrs. Cattier explained that the proposed work would create more space for her family which includes three very active children. She continued that she plans to keep the overall look of the house but seeks to create more living space for her family. Mrs. Cattier told the Commission she hopes to extend the back wall to create a more spacious kitchen and remove the L shaped porch. This porch is drafty and doesn’t have a foundation she explained and would like to replace it with a family room and mudroom more suited to her active family’s needs. Mrs. Cattier would also like to include a new master bath on the second floor and change the roofline to a Gambriel because she states she loves the shingle style. HC COMMENTS: Mr. Kalsow complimented the applicants on their clear and well thought out presentation. He continued that the addition was appropriate and sensitive. Ms.Zimmerman added that the design was very modest and beautifully scaled. Mr. Kelland commented that the lot was rather large. Ms. Fenollosa explained that the demo is essentially the side porch and asked the applicants if the inside chimney was in disrepair and if so were they considering something more fuel efficient. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None MOTION: moved by Ms. Fenollosa, and seconded, to permit the porch and chimney demolition according to the plans presented on February 19, 2014. VOTE: 5-0 in favor. Town of Lexington Historical Commission February 19, 2014: AGENDA ITEM # 3 (8:10PM) Informal discussion on possible renovations at 56 Turning Mill Road SUMMARY: Mr. John Dvorak, 3 Dewey Road, Lexington, recently purchased the house at 56 Turning Mill Road and asked for feedback from the HC as to what work he would be allowed to perform. He expressed that the house would need to be gutted and told the Commission he had met with a contractor and learned there are issues with mold, leaks and termites. Mr. Dvorak explained that the house has been vacant for two years. He asked the Commission if it would be possible to replace the existing structure with a midcentury house that is consistent with the neighborhood. Mr. Kern explained to Mr. Dvorak that the Commission would need to take into account if the loss of this cultural resource is significant to not allow the demolition and then explained the Demolition By-Law. Ms. Zimmerman suggested that Mr. Dvorak consider providing evidence of the water problems and that the conditions are poor structurally. She then continued that Mr. Dvorak look to a licensed engineer to provide a report to indicate these existing conditions before returning to the Commission for a hearing. Mr. Kelland suggested that Mr. Dvorak have some drawings done on what he proposed to replace the existing house with and how it looks similar and fits in with the neighborhood. Ms. Zimmerman suggested Mr.Dvorak speak with Dennis Frenchman, a Lexington resident, who is also a MIT Architecture professor. She added that Mr. Frenchman would be an excellent resource. Ms. Zimmerman also reviewed the demolition bylaw and explained the definition of preferably preserved to Mr. Dvorak for his future reference. Mr. Kalsow added that Mr. Dvorak should include the existing plans along with the proposed plans in the presentation as that would increase the clarity. 3