HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-02-22-PBC-min.pdf TOWN OF LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS
PERMANENT BUILDING COMMITTEE
Minutes of Saturday January 22. 2000 meeting in the Oval Room, Cary Memorial Library
The meeting was opened by Chairman Kelley at 8:03 a.m. with other PBC members Jay Lucker
and Walter Pierce, both Library appointees, Bill Kennedy and Mary Lou Touart present. Also
attending were Library Director Carol Mahoney, Staff Project Coordinator Julie Triessl, Lynn
Hopkins and Ian Adamson of the HDC, Charles Homig and Shirley Stolz of the Capital
Expenditures Committee, Eva Heney of the Lexington Minuteman and architects for the library
Melissa Bennett and Oscar Morales of Stephen Hale s firm.
To assist in discussion Walter Pierce' memorandum of July 15, 1998 and minutes from a meeting
with HDC representatives Ian Adamson and Lynn Hopkins that took place July 9 1999 These
documents detailed design issues of concern to the HDC. In addition, Morales brought a model
of the previously planned building minus the tower.
Plan chanties to be made due to Douglass settlement and HDC objections include removal of the
tower and reduction in the number of jutting bays from three to two on the east side as well as
elimination of the monitor lights to simplify and lower the roof line and changes to the entrance
from the parking lot. In addition the roof will be a more neutral color than red and materials will
be simplified. Boston Edison has given permission for moving the electrical vault that is and
would have been beneath the tower to be removed. The HDC has also requested preservation of
the Massachusetts Avenue frontage side of the building.
Windows of wood on frontage sides will be requested by the HDC in upholding its consistent
standards, but aluminum might be accepted on the "back" (parking lot) side. PBC requested
evidence from existing buildings on suitable wood windows and examples in libraries in nearby
towns.
Handicap Ramo would be facilitated by restoration of the original porch design, helping to solve
the problem of large grade differential on the Clarke Street side. Furthermore, an historic
restoration such as that porch would merit money extra funding. HDC's suggestion of a lift was
immediately ruled out by Library Committee member Lucker, citing extremely large traffic in
and out of the library PBC conclusion, redesign the ramp, and be sure to include rendering of
landscaping to mask and lower its visibility
Roof drainage arrangement was explained to the satisfaction of the PBC. A high quality of
asphalt would be acceptable to the HDC. It already exists on other public buildings.
Exterior Wall Surfaces are now planned to be of cast stone section. Several present, including
Adamson, warned of dimensional instability and warping of that material. Kelley suggested
exploring for more suitable material.
Mechanical systems: location for cooling unit is now planned for a hole in the parking lot back
PBC Minutes of January 22, 2000 -page 2
corner bordering 16 Clarke Street land. The unit would extend to two feet above grade and
would be fenced in. HDC members expressed concerned about appearance and PBC members
asked about maintenance and noise. Engineers are studying other possible locations for the
cooling unit. HDC's Adamson said the surrounding walls must be high enough.
Windows on Massachusetts Avenue will not have sashes that can be opened, but ventilation will
be provided through small screened openings. This is for security
Other roof recommendations from the HDC included simplification where possible, possibly one
roof for the two east side bays.
Schedule calls for a hearing with the HDC in late March or early April, with schedule depending
on how many review meetings are required beforehand. Pierce predicted need for at least two
review meetings, and need to touch base with the Design Advisory Committee in addition.
Meeting adjourned at 9:25 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
gwui. J tae-d-r-r—
Erna S. Greene, Secretary