HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-06-13-HC-minHISTORICAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
JUNE 13, 2013
Call to Order: A public meeting of the Historical Commission was held in Cary Hall at
the Ellen Stone Room, 1605 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA on June 13, 2013.
The meeting convened at 7:31 pm.
Historical Commission members in attendance:
Mr. David Kelland, Mr. Frank Kern, Mr. Wendall Kalsow, Ms. Marilyn Fenollosa
Member(s) not in attendance:
Ms. Sally Zimmerman
AGENDA ITEM #1: (Time 7:31 pm)
Continued Public Hearing from May 9 th on the application for partial demolition permit
for 282 Bedford Street.
APPLICANTS PRESENT:
Mr. Paul Dominici, B& D Building, 1161 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144
Ms, Lisa Domenici, B & D Building Building, 1161 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144
Ms. Holly Baab, Associate Director, Edinburg Center, 1040 Waltham St, Lexington, MA
Mr. Randy Brown, Facilities Mgr, Edinburg Center, 1040 Waltham St, Lexington, MA
DOCUMENTS:
• New revised drawing of the proposed replacement structure showing a foot
setback and lowered roofline
• Notes and opinions written by Ms. Zimmerman from the May 31 site visit at
282 Bedford Street (attached pages 6 -12)
SUMMARY:
A site visit was conducted on May 31 by Ms. Sally Zimmerman and Mr. Joseph
Cornish, Supervising Preservation Services Manager at Historic New England, to
determine if the rearmost ell represented an 18 century structure and examine the
historic fabric of the rear most ell structure, exterior and interior.
HC Chair, Mr. Kelland, for the record, read aloud notes and comments written by Ms.
Zimmerman, of the site visit to the Nathan Reed House located at 282 Bedford Street, on
behalf of the Lexington Historical Commission. Photographs and a revised drawing were
examined by the Commission.
Public Comments: none
MOTION: moved by Mr. Kalsow, and seconded, to find the rearmost ell significant but
not preferably preserved thereby allowing its demolition and replacement to proceed as
noted. (See attached notes 1 -5, ADDENDUM #1, page 6 )
VOTE: 5 -0 in favor.
Time: 7:47 pm
AGENDA ITEM: HC Future Public Hearing Meetings Starting September 2013
Starting in September 2013 and for the 2014 calendar year, the Historical Commission
Public Hearing Meetings will be held on the third Thursday of every month.
AGENDA # 2: (Time: 7:51 pm)
Permit Application for Demolition of Two Car Garage at 20 Partridge Road.
APPLICANTS PRESENT:
Mr. Andrew Sidford, Andrew Sidford Architects of Newburyport, MA
Mr. Bernhardt Trout, Homeowner, 20 Partridge Road, Lexington, MA
DOCUMENTS:
• Front & Rear Elevation View Drawings of proposed new 3 car garage, mudroom
and attached shed
• Site Plan
• Copy of record card from the Lexington Building Department for existing 2 car
garage
SUMMARY:
Mr. Andrew Sidford presented to the Commission photographs of existing 2 car garage
and architectural drawings of the proposed 3 car garage, mudroom and shed. Architect
noted that the garage proposed for demolition was built in 1986 and was not part of the
original house.
Architectural plans were presented to the Commission, and expressed that the purpose of
the proposed three car garage, mudroom and storage shed was to be unobtrusive.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
MOTION: moved by Mr. Kalsow, and seconded, that the existing two car garage at 20
Partridge Road is not historically significant; therefore not preferably preserved. Care is
taken by the Applicant on demolition to minimize impact to the historic house. The
Commission voted to allow demolition of the two car garage.
VOTE: 4 -0 in favor.
AGENDA ITEM: (Time: 8:03 pm)
Historic Preservation Conference
Ms. Fenollosa updated the Commission that planning was proceeding. The Historic
Preservation Conference is planned for October 18, 2013. The program consists of 15 to
16 sessions, approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, each for speakers, panels, demonstrations
and tours.
• Town is on board including Carl Valente and Robert Addelson
2
• Registration and payments will be online.
• $11,200 in award money from the MHC
• No expenditures required from Town of Lexington
• Looking for volunteer interest at all levels
• Seeking financial support, approximately $1200, for printing of handouts.
ACTION ITEM: Marilyn will ask Town Manager and Board of Selectmen for $1200
AGENDA # 3: (Time 8:11 pm)
4 Tewksbury Street, application for partial demolition
APPLICANTS PRESENT:
Mr. Bruce Hughes, Bruce Hughes Construction, 12 Kirk Rd, Billerica, MA
Mr. Sean Bridgeo & Ms. Ally Lynch, Homeowners, 4 Tewksbury St, Lexington, MA
DOCUMENTS:
• Photos showing existing conditions
• Side Elevation Plans
• Cultural Resource Survey of 4 Tewksbury Street
SUMMARY:
Mr. Bruce Hughes, Contractor, started the presentation by saying that they are seeking
partial demolition of the existing 6' X 24' porch, spanning the front section of house,
built in the late 60s 70's, which is in state of disrepair. As part of update, a small porch
will be built as part of 20' X 24' addition including a bedroom. Replacement windows
will be wooden Pella windows. Plans were examined by the Commission.
Addition will include bedroom window, entryway window, small front porch, extended
area of upper section and living room in first floor. Existing area of house is 1100 sf.
Addition is approximately 900 sf.
COMMISSION COMMENTS:
Modifications planned don't detract from the Cultural Resource Survey
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
MOTION: moved by Mr. Kern, and seconded, to allow modifications, according to
architectural design plans dated 2/25/2013
VOTE: 4 -0 in favor.
(Time: 8:23 pm)
Ms. Fenollosa mentioned that Ms. Christine McLaughlin of 19 Slocum Street, called in
and said that she discovered old photos of the house and garden, while preparing for the
Garden tour. Invitation extended to the Historical Society and Historical Commission to
take a look at the photographs.
(Time: 8:28 pm)
AGENDA ITEM: Other Town Demolition Delay Bylaws
Mr. Kelland provided an update to the Commission regarding Demolition Delay Bylaws
of Other Towns. He mentioned that Medfield just passed 18 month demolition delay.
Other municipalities with similar policy include Acton, Amesbury, Brookline, Chatham,
Newton, and Middleboro.
AGENDA ITEM:
Communications from the Public: None
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
Commission will work with Ms. Karen Mullins, Director of Community Development,
on a budget to getting about 150 properties to transfer from the Priority (Provisional) List
to the Inventory.
ACTION ITEMS:
An estimate of how much it will cost to do it for a singular property will be
figured
Ms. Brenda Tabak, HC Clerk, will find out from Ms. Karen Mullins when budget
is due in order for HC to provide estimated cost of converting the Priority
Provisional List to the HC Inventory.
(Time 8:31 pm)
Update from Mr. Kelland about the letter from Susan Bennett to the Massachusetts
Historical Commission about Buckman Tavern.
SUMMARY:
HDC reviewed and approved plans for work on Buckman Tavern to enlarge dormer and
make room for an elevator, specifically to enlarge the gable in the ground floor to the
upper floor for handicap access in the new addition. It was noted to be the least instrusive
modification at the Buckman Tavern. Lynn Spencer did the work.
ACTION ITEM:
Mr. Kelland will contact the MHC saying there is no objection from Historical
Commission.
in
AGENDA ITEM # 4: (Time 8:33 pm)
Demolition Permit Application for 19 Maple Street
APPLICANTS PRESENT: None
ABUTTERS PRESENT: None
SUMMARY:
A discussion took place among the members of the Commission regarding ideas of what
to do when applicant is a no -show, deciding whether to continue the hearing or
re- advertise the hearing in order to give proper and timely notice to the property abutters.
ACTION ITEM:
Ms. Tabak will ask the applicant for 19 Maple Street if they wish to pursue the
demolition at 19 Maple Street.
AGENDA ITEM # 9: (Time: 8:41 pm)
Approval of Minutes from HC Public Hearing May 9, 2013
SUMMARY:
(Correction) Peacock Farm has been named in the National Registry.
(Correction) Strike out " Moon Hill" -- Moon Hill nomination will be evaluated
sometime in July.
MOTION: moved by Mr. Kern, and seconded, to approve the May 9 th Meeting Minutes
as corrected.
VOTE: 4 -0 in favor.
AGENDA ITEM #10 (Time: 8:45 pm)
Meeting Adjourn
MOTION: moved by Mr. Kalsow, and seconded, to adjourn meeting.
VOTE: 4 -0 in favor.
Meeting adjourned 8:45 pm (EST)
Respectfully submitted by,
Ms. Brenda Tabak
ADDENDUM #1 (May 31, 2013 Site Visit Notes & Pictures by Ms. Zimmerman)
From: Sally Zimmerman
Sent: Friday, May 31, 2013 2:45 PM
To: dkelland; Brenda Tabak
Subject: Notes on Site Visit to 282 Bedford Street; Zimmerman comments for Hearing
Attachments: Notes of Site Visit to Nathan Reed House.docx
Dear David and Brenda:
I visited the Nathan Reed house this morning and am attaching the notes from that visit.
Joseph Cornish, Supervising Preservation Services Manager at Historic New England was able to
accompany me to provide his insights and expertise which were very valuable. We concluded
that there is evidence for an 18 century structure surviving in the rearmost ell as you will read.
We were also able to conjecture further on the possible sequence of construction of the house
as a whole with possible dates for those changes. I will also provide a hard copy of the notes and
a CD of photographs of the house taken on our visit to Ms. Tabak by hand.
I advised the applicants to contact you immediately to be placed on the June 13 agenda, and
that it was my sense, that as a continuation of the May 9 hearing, additional legal notification
would not be required.
Finally, I would like to convey my comments for the continuation of this hearing on June 13,
which I will be unable to attend, and offer my opinion that, in light of:
1) the marginal state of preservation of the rearmost ell, which was probably moved back from
the main house about 1836 when a newer, larger and more architecturally consistent ell
appears to have been added to the house; and
2) its apparently truncated form as evidenced by the blank end wall of the structure; and
3) its significantly altered interior condition; and
4) the stated willingness at the May 9 hearing of the applicants to modify their proposed
replacement structure to preserve a setback from the corner of the ell on the east side and to
lower the roofline of the proposed replacement to below the frieze board on the south side of
the ell; and
5) the stated willingness of the applicants at our onsite meeting May 31 to carefully expose the
underlying structure of the rearmost ell, by removing exterior clapboard to expose the
sheathing broads, and also by removing cosmetic finishes, modern drywall and carpeting on the
interior, and providing the Commission the opportunity to photographically document the fabric
thus exposed prior to demolition;
the rearmost ell is not a preferably preserved structure and therefore, I would vote in favor of a
motion to find the rearmost ell significant but not preferably preserved thereby allowing its
demolition and replacement to proceed as conditioned above.
I hope my notes and comments will assist the Commission to make a more fully considered
decision on this matter. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Sally Zimmerman
Lexington Historical Commission member
31
Notes of Site Visit to Nathan Reed House, 282 Bedford Street, May 31, 2013 on
behalf of the Lexington Historical Commission
Prepared by Sally Zimmerman for the Lexington Historical Commission
Note: I was joined by Joseph Cornish, Historic New England. Others present were the
contractor, contractor's administrator, and four staff of the Edinburg Center (do not
have their names)
Purpose The purpose of the site visit was to examine the historic fabric of the building,
exterior and interior, of the rearmost ell structure, proposed for demolition and
replacement by the Edinburg Center. The rearmost ell structure is noted in the Inventory
form for 282 Bedford Street (prepared Nancy S. Seasholes, April 1998, form number
774, 775) as the earliest structure on the property, associated with the ownership of
William Reed (1693- 1778). At its May 9, 2013 meeting, the Commission expressed the
desire for a subcommittee to meet on site to review the building to see if it was possible
to determine whether the rearmost ell represented an 18 century structure, or had been
wholly or partially constructed more recently.
History of Property Ownership
1. William Reed, b. 1693 - d. 1778 [traditionally held to be builder of rearmost ell
only]
2. Nathan Reed, b. 1743 - d. 1811 [built main house in 1786 according to assessor's
records]'
3. Nathan, Jr., b. 1776 - d. 1836 and Christopher, b. 1792 - d. 1861 [inherited
property in 1817]
4. Cyrus Reed b. 1798 — d. 1873 [inherited property in 1836]
5. George T. Smith [purchased property in 1872]
Findings:
1. Rear Ell
Exterior: The shallow gable pitch of the roof is consistent with the proportions and
roofline of a one -room deep structure of the 18 century. The end wall is without
windows and has modern clapboard siding, both perhaps consistent with the possibility
that a further portion of the structure (aligning with a rough perimeter of stones on the
adjacent "patio ") might reflect the original size of the rearmost ell structure. Also
consistent with a possible 18 century date are the very narrow second story windows on
the east elevation, which have projecting mortised and tenoned frames consistent with
18 century sash construction. Other windows on the east and west elevations of the
rearmost ell are modern alterations.
Interior: The first floor finishes are entirely encased in 20 /21 century drywall, but posts
are evident in the corners of the rear most room, and in a closet, a rear corner post is
exposed. On the second floor of the rearmost ell, the ceiling height is quite low and the
' Nathan Reed married Mary Page of Bedford, Mass. in 1772; Mary Page Reed's father, Christopher Page,
died in 1786, perhaps providing a date for an inheritance that might have enabled the construction of the
Nathan Reed house in that year.
7
lower chord of the rafter bays is evident, though plastered over, in four bays spaced about
8' apart. Beneath modern wall to wall carpet, wide board floors with cut nails are present.
In the basement area, a shed roofed addition at the foundation level is probably 20
century in origin. The foundation /cellar area of the rearmost ell exhibits sills, corner
braces, and posts consistent with an 18 century date, as well as up and down sawn
sheathing boards. The sill levels of the rearmost ell and the ell do not align, with the
rearmost ell sill about 6" above the ell sill, suggesting that the two structures were not
built at the same time, but rather butted together at a later date.
Mr. Cornish and I concluded that there was evidence structurally, inside and outside, that
the rearmost ell represents a portion of an earlier structure of 18 century origins.
2. Conjectural Evolution of the Structure as a Whole
Mr. Cornish and I reviewed the exterior perimeter of the house, which consists of three
sections:
a 5 bay by 2 bay, 2 '/2 story center entrance main block with brick end walls, each
with two interior chimneys, and a pedimented gable roof,
• a 4 -5 bay x by 1 bay, 2 story gable roofed ell, and
• a 2 bay by 1 bay, 1 '/2 story rear ell.
Exterior: Molding profiles of door casings, of window casings in the ell, and the cornices
of both the main block and ell are consistent with the Greek Revival period and have a
flattened elliptical shape. In addition, the gabled end pediments, with deep rake moldings,
are visually quite prominent and also consistent with the Greek Revival style.
Other exterior features have an earlier appearance, including the decorative front entrance
surround; wide, tapering pilasters at the corners; the masonry of the brick end walls with
a second story string course; the keystoned, semi - circular fanlight at the entrance (shown
in the 1998 inventory form and now removed); the mortised and tenoned window frames
of the main facade; and the 12/12 window sashes of the main house (also removed since
1998); these are consistent with a late Georgian/Federal style and a late 18 century date
of construction, at the traditional date of 1786.
Based on the differing character and molding profiles of the roof structures on both the
main block and the ell, and of the door and window casings of the ell, Mr. Cornish and I
conjectured that the original roof on the house (which was probably a low hipped roof)
was rebuilt in the Greek Revival style and that the ell was probably also built at the same
time. The new roof and ell were constructed in the 19 century, probably c. 1836 when
Cyrus Reed inherited the property.
Interior: Interior finishes consistent with late Georgian/Federal were observed in the two
front ground floor rooms of the main house and in the main staircase. In those rooms,
mantels, deep window reveals, chair rails, and wide board wainscots are all present. The
staircase is quite intact with scrolled molding on the end caps of the stair, a plain square
newel, and square balusters set at a 45- degree angle.
Conclusion: Mr. Cornish and I concluded on the basis of the physical fabric we observed
that it is possible there was an existing 18 century house on the property at the time the
main house was constructed, c. 1786, that the earlier house was reused as the ell of the c.
1786 house and that when the roof was reconstructed, c. 1836, a new ell was inserted and
that the earlier house was relocated to the rearmost position it now occupies.
M
I Y
f
1{
T,
Shallow roof pitch on rearmost ell consistent
with one room deep house; blank wall is
evidence of possible truncation; patio shows
possible extent of original structure; shed is
20 century.
"Patio" structure with perimeter rubble
wall parged or covered in places with
modern concrete; possible footprint of a
larger structure
10
Exposed post in rearmost ell
11
Wide board flooring with cut
nails in rearmost ell
12
a