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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-02-19-HC-min HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES February 19, 2014 Call to Order: A public meeting of the Historical Commission was held in Cary Hall at the Ellen Stone February 19, 2014 Room, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA on . 7:30PM The meeting convened at . Historical Commission Members in Attendance: Mr. David Kelland, Ms. Marilyn Fenollosa, Mr. Frank Kern, Ms. Sally Zimmerman, Mr. Wendall Kalsow AGENDA ITEM #1 (Time: 7:30 PM) Public Hearing on Partial Building Demolition Application for 44-46 Parker Street APPLICANT(S) PRESENT: Mr. Sean Glynn for Galway Realty LLC, PO Box 653, Reading, Ma 01867 th Mr. Jon Seward, Architect-Planner/Principal, Community Design Partnership, 369 Congress Street, 8 Floor, Boston, Ma 02210 ABUTTER(S) PRESENT: Homeowner from 7 Jackson Court The couple read from a letter they sent to Mr. Seward and Mr. Galway. They expressed that they both supported the project and were encouraged by the sensitivity both Mr. Seward and Mr. Galway showed to the abutters. The abutters also stated they felt communication to the neighbors about the project was good. DOCUMENT(S): Structural Report dated February 8, 2014 from Leon A. Bombardier, PE, 131 Lincoln Street, Abington, Ma 02351 Certified Plot Plan Boston Survey Inc. Unit C-4 Shipways Place Charlestown, Ma 02129 Stefanov Architects: 516 East Second Street #32 Boston, Ma 02127 Front and Rear Elevations of Existing and New Conditions Garage and Breezeway Plan and Elevations First and Second Floors Existing Conditions Plans with Demolition Site Setback Plan West and South Elevation East and North Elevations First and Second Floors Renovation Plans Basement and Third Floors Renovations Plans 13 Photos of the exterior and garage SUMMARY: The residential building is a two story wood framed building with a stone masonry foundation and full basement. The attic space is partially finished for occupancy. The building is currently unoccupied. It was stated that the original structure was thought to be a barn moved onto this site. Mr. Glynn explained that the house has several structural limitations that should be corrected. Mr. Glynn and Mr. Steward stated the front steps are in need of repair, the garage in the rear of the house is in bad condition and will be demolished and the rear porch should be removed and if reconstructed, installed on proper foundations. The proposed work is also to include transforming this two family house into a single family structure and adding a small porch onto the lower left front. 1 HC COMMENTS: Mr. Kelland commented that the actual demo is essentially the garage and rear enclosed porch. Mr. Kern added that a portion of the demo will include the extension of the bays up to the roof. Ms. Zimmerman suggested to the applicants that they go relatively slowly while stripping the shingles. She added that the original clapboards may be underneath and as the work progresses they may find other components that will rationalize the way the house looks and give additional guidance as to how to manage the trim etc. Ms. Zimmerman advised Mr. Seward to reuse the triple set of brackets at the front entrance or to leave them in the house and reuse them in some other manner. Ms. Zimmerman told the applicants that the brackets will make more sense once the shingles come off. Ms. Fenollosa asked Mr. Seward to reconsider the decision to use hardy plank. Ms. Fenollosa also suggested that the applicants look at simulated divided light windows and requested that the pop in ones are not utilized. Mr. Kalsow stated there is no historic significance to the garage and the changes to the rear and sides are appropriate. He continued that the front elevation is pleasant but added that the house will look like a new house with the changes and a two story bay will result in the look of a new design and construction. Ms. Zimmerman praised the applicants on the improvements over the early working design and that completing the project as a single family home; Mr. Glyn has the capacity to make it work. Ms. Zimmerman added that the proposed work will create something more Colonial, a Colonial revival. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None MOTION: moved by Ms. Zimmerman, and seconded, that the house located at 44-46 Parker Street be allowed demolition as presented. VOTE: 5-0 in favor. Town of Lexington Historical Commission Public Hearing Date: February 19, 2014 AGENDA ITEM # 2 (8:00PM) Public Hearing on Partial Demolition and Roof Line Change Application at 64 Marrett Road APPLICANT(S) PRESENT: Mrs. Lisa Cattier, homeowner, 64 Marrett Road, Lexington, Ma 02420 Mr. Chris L. Dallmus, AIA, LEED AP, Design Associates Inc. 1035 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, Ma 02141 ABUTTER(S) PRESENT: None DOCUMENT(S): A1 First Floor Plan A1.2 Second Floor Plan A2.1 North and West Elevations A2.2 South and East Elevations AB1.1 First Floor As-Built Plan AB1.2 Second Floor As-Built Plan AB2.1 As-Built North and West Elevations AB2.2 As-Built South and East Elevations 2 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 Town of Lexington Historical Commission February 19, 2014: AGENDA ITEM # 4 (8:31PM) Informal discussion with Mr. John Farrington and Mr. Mark Barons on the moving of the Franklin-Warren school. SUMMARY: Mr. Farrington explained that the two schools were originally built in the 1860s and that the two season porch is not part of the original structure. Mr. Barons presented the Ponywold plans and explained that the work would include removing the existing rear dormer and bring the structure back as close to original as possible. Mr. Barons also explained that one garage will be internal due to planning regulations. Mr. Farrington added that they could not consider a free standing garage as the planning board has limits on impervious surfaces. Mr. Kalsow advised that the proposed work balance the planning board requirements while also preserving the historic elements. Ms. Fenollosa added that if Mr. Barons preserves a historic building he may receive relief on planning requirements. After reviewing the plans Mr. Kalsow asked that for future presentations existing elevations are included.Mr. Kalsow also reminded Mr. Barons and Mr. Farrington to look at the Secretary of Interior Standards as they relate to the proposed work and the restrictions. Both Mr. Kalsow and Ms.Zimmerman suggested Mr. Farrington and Mr. Barons consider discussing the proposed work with the Planning Board. Ms. Zimmerman suggested that a site visit be scheduled. Ms. Zimmerman and Mr. Kalsow agreed to meet on site with the architect and Mr. Barons to discuss the proposed work. UPDATES: Mr. Kelland summarized a letter received from the BSC Group regarding changes that were to be made on Mass Ave and the placement of several new traffic lights and a possible traffic triangle. He related that the Commission received this letter and was being asked what the impact of this work would be on historic resources in Lexington. Ms. Fenollosa suggested Mr. Kelland send a copy of the letter to HDC for them to comment on. Mr. Kelland added that he would call the BSC Group and advise them to send a copy of the letter directly to HDC for their review and comments. Approval of February 2014 Historical Commission Meeting Minutes MOTION: moved by Mr. Kelland, and seconded, to approve the Minutes of February 19, 2014 VOTE: 5-0 in favor AGENDA ITEM: Adjourn MOTION: moved by Mr. Kelland, and seconded, to adjourn meeting. VOTE: 5-0 in favor Meeting adjourned: (Time) 9:37 PM (EST) 4