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PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION 1.4,e0ledia Meeting broadcasted by LexMedia Minutes of Thursday, February 5, 2015 Parker Meeting Room 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 7:00 PM Commissioners present: Lynn Hopkins, Chairperson, Paul Ross, Robert Warshawer and Britta McCarthy Associate Commissioners, Marilyn Fenollosa No Formal Hearings scheduled FORMAL HEARINGS CONTINUED HEARINGS 21 Muzzey Street: Adam Shuck, Spacecraft Architecture, presented examples of two different windows to the Commission. One window was wood the other was aluminum clad. While the HDC guidelines call for all wood windows in practically all circumstances, changes in window technology prompted a discussion about the merits of different materials. Questions were raised as to whether a clad window might be an appropriate choice for a new commercial building. Many of the commissioners agreed that the finger- jointed, less durable new growth wood used in new, all-wood windows is quite different from the materials found in older wood windows. Many commissioners also agreed that there have been significant technological and aesthetic improvements in windows constructed of alternate materials. But there was profound reluctance to break with the tradition of wood windows, establishing a new precedent, and the commission was not ready to make that commitment at this time. All wood windows for the project were previously approved for this project. The commission suggested that the applicant could return with detail drawings showing the construction of the proposed window if they chose to pursue this alternate. 1605 Massachusetts Avenue: Don Mills spoke with the Commission regarding changes to the original plans for the Cary Hall renovation. An existing copper ventilator cap will be retained, a new louver, symmetrically placed on the building's rear elevation, will be added. Existing siren horns on the top of the building will remain and two additional lamp posts, matching others previously approved, will be added in front. The commission approved all of these revisions. Changes to the previously approved sidewalks in front of Cary Hall were discussed. Changing the all brick sidewalks to concrete with brick banding was requested by the Board of Selectmen in response to concerns raised by the Commission on Disability. After considerable discussion, Don Mills and the Commission agreed in concept on the following: A) Walkways will be lightly washed exposed aggregate concrete with 12" band(s) of salvaged bricks. Minimum width of concrete path to be 48 ". B) Granite pavers will be installed at the foot of the monumental stairs, van parking access aisles and area adjacent to accessible ramp and bike path, providing a continuous granite surface from sidewalk up ramps and stairs to landing at front entry doors. The use and distribution of granite simplifies the design, unifies the various elements, provides a safe, continuous and even movement surface and has architectural character appropriate to the town's most important public building. Pavers will be large scale with tight joints to minimize unevenness. All finish materials will be installed on a concrete substrate for improved stability. Don will return with a final design. Mockups will also be part of the approval process. The town has raised questions concerning the HDC's jurisdiction over paving. This issue is still outstanding. INFORMAL HEARINGS