Committee on Colonial Architecture for Town Buildings - rpt.pdf

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to TOWN of LEXINGTON $ ; Report of the Comiittee on Colonial Architecture for Town uildi .gs. On June 1, 1950 it was voted:- "That the moderator be authorized and is hereby directed to appoint a committee of five consisting of a resident architect, a member of the School Committee, a member of the Planning Board, and two other residents of the town to make a study as to the advisability of establishing a policy of using colonial architecture only, in the designing of future town buildings, and to recommend a method by which the policy if adopted could be carried out." Arter a number of meetings and some research, this committee became unanimous in its opinion that because of Lexington' s importance in the early history of the United States it is desirable and fitting that colonial architecture be retained in the town buildings whenever it is possible to do so without destroying the utility of the building. However, the term "Colonial Architecture" was thought to be too confining and should be broadened to "Colonial Influence" instead which would accomplish the desired results with less danger of interfering with the designs for utility. The committee has found that Chapter 146, Section 1 to 7 of the General Laws of Massachusetts provides for the establish- ment of an "Art Commission" so called, which possibly could be a solution to the method of applying the policy if it was to be followed. This commission would have the authority to pass on any plans for municipal buildings, monuments, etc. and although it would not be legally bound to demand colonial influence in the design, it would be aware that its conception was brought about by the desire of the people to retain colon- ial influence, and would probably be motivated by this aware- ness to act in accordance with the desires of the people. However, this committee feels that further study of this law is necessary, and requests that this report be accepted as a report of progress and begs continuance until a later meeting at which a full report will be made. Sited -- l„r.�► ? :_ . A " " . ,.. irman N 4/44.4 Atoll f