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Town of Lexington Historical Commission June 18, 2014 AGENDA ITEM #3 (7:48PM) Public Hearing on Roof Line Change Application for 59 Gleason Road APPLICANT (S) PRESENT: Mr. Chris Barry, Architect LEED AP, cjb-architect.com, 617-510-6510 Mr. Michael Glavine, 59 Gleason Road, Lexington, Massachusetts 02420 ABUTTER(S) PRESENT: None DOCUMENT(S): Addition and Renovation plans prepared by CJB Architects Letter from George Horowitz Associates, Structural Engineering, 224 Valentine Street, West Newton, Ma 02465 Copy of Section R305 Ceiling Height from the 2009 International Residential Code SUMMARY: Mr. Glavine explained that his plan resulted from nine months of research which included looking at designs and obtaining feedback from his neighbors. He continued that he has settled on this design now because of the ceiling height and the staircase which will allow his three children under the age of ten and aging parents to live more comfortably. Mr. Glavine stated that this plan was a long term solution for his family as they would like to remain in the community. Mr. Barry gave a description of the work to be done. The renovation and addition proposed requires the removal of the roof of the existing house. The premise of this project is to save the first floor. Mr. Barry continued that in order to meet financial constraints, the entire kitchen must remain as existing. The existing steep stair to both the basement and second floor will be replaced with a new code complying stair. Mr. Barry added that this work is necessitated by the client’s desire to have a safer connection between the different floor levels for their children. He stated from a design perspective, this also creates a plan more similar to a center entry colonial. The finishes of the existing first floor are to remain except for the hardwood floors in the living room. They have reached the end of their useful life and require replacement. Mr. Barry further proposed changing the vinyl replacement windows with historically sensitive simulated true divided lite windows consisting of six over one sash. The siding will be replaced with a wood clap board as existing. He stated that a colonial theme of similar scale to the existing is carried around to the addition, unifying the home. Mr. Barry summarized a letter from George Horowitz, P.E. which states that after reviewing the plans of the existing house, it seems most probable that the second floor joists are spanning parallel to the ridge and the roof is an unsymmetrical unstable shape. The letter continued that over the years, Mr. Horowitz has seen many roofs of this type suddenly start to move and push the supporting walls out of plumb, occasionally causing a collapse. Mr. Barry added that this letter confirms that this existing condition doesn’t confirm to habitable space and all second floor ceilings are 6’11”. HC COMMENTS : Mr. Kalsow explained that the present building code accepts existing ceiling height below that. Mr. Kelland asked if the roof angle was being changed.Mr. Barry responded that now a 12 pitch existing and they are proposing a 12 pitch. Ms. Zimmerman asked Mr. Barry if the peak of the structure would be 30 or 32. Mr. Barry referred to page four of the plans which indicate the existing peak is 19.6 and the plan would be going to 26 feet which is above the first floor line. 2