HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977-02-16 ----T.
HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION
A meeting of the Historic Districts Commission was held on Wednes-
day, February 16,'1977, in Room G15, Town Off~.ce Building, Lexington.
Present were Commissioners Wilbur M. Jaquith, Chairman; Georgia H.
Williams, Secretary; S. Lawrence Whipple; Acting Commissioner John R,
Packard; and Associate Commissioner Oliver F. Hooper. Mr. Hooper was
appointed to serve for Commissioner Amalia G. Samoylenko who xas unable
to be present..
A hearing was held at 7:$2 Y.M. on the application of Robert Levine
d~b~a~ robert international with respect to the erection and display of
a sign for the store at 3 Meriam Street, xhich is within the Battle Green
District,. Mr. Jaquith read the legal notice and application. Linda
Hinkson of robert international submitted three scale drawings by Metal
Letters Corporation (Carl Severo) of the proposed sign. They propose
using all lower case letters as this is xhat they use o,n their letter-
heads, etc. 10" letters of gold leaf, roman style will be used for the
letters "b, t, t, t, 1" and the other letters will be 6" high gold leaf,
roman style letters. Mr. Hooper asked why the lower case letters and
Linda Hinkson replied that their business was contemporary jewelry and
the small letters seem more contemporary. She said that they import some
and make some of their jewelry. Mr. Hooper said that he thinks it looks
as if something was left off.. Mr. Jaquith said that he agreed but that
this type of sign is not unusual today, Mr. Whipple said that lower case
letters take less space and that this is a fairly narrow store front.
Mr. Jaquith said that the store front is 19'6" in width. Mr. Whipple
asked if the previous sign has been removed and Linda Hinkson said that
it was removed the end of December. Mr. Whipple asked the Chairman if
Ernest Giroux will plug holes from previous sign and repaint the back-
board. Mr. Jaquith repl7:ed that he believed that both things would have
to be done. He said that he understands that Mr. Giroux wants to paint
the fascia board a different color. Mr. Jaquith said that the Commission
should probably put in the certificate that the holes are to be plugged
and the fascia repainted where necessary to cover color change. The
hearing was closed at 8:08 F.M.
Upon motion made by Mr. Whipple and seconded by Mrs. Williams, it
was unanimously VOTED to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness to Robert
Levine d~b~a robert international with respect to the erection and dis-
play of a sign for the store at 3 Meriam Street, which is within the
Battle Green District. Participating in this decision were Commissioners
Wilbur M. Jaquith, Georgia H. Williams, S. Lawrence Whipple, Acting Com-
missioner John R. Packard, and Associate Commissioner Oliver F. Hooper.
Commissioner Amalia G. Samoylenko arrived at this point and took her
seat.
A hearing was held at 8s18 P.M. on the application of Jeffrey Alpert
for a Certificate of Appropriateness with respect to changes in the exte-
rior architectural features of the building at 703 Massachusetts Avenue,
which is within the East Village District. Mr. Jaquith read the legal
HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION - page 2 February 16, 1977
notice and application. Mr. Alpert submitted photographs of the build-
ing. He stated that he had requested permission to install txo track
white baked enamel aluminum storm windows but that the two track xindows
are no longer available, Therefore, he wishes to install three track
windows but stated that the screen sections would not be installed. Mr.
Jaquith asked if he wanted to install on all windows and Mr. Alpert said
all windows except the bay window. Mr. Whipple asked what would be done
with the lower section in the summer and Mr. Alpert said that it xould
be stored in the upper section. Mr. Jaquith then discussed the location
of window installations as follows: front elevation, 1st floor - 1 and
2nd floor -5; east elevation, 1st floor - 3, 2nd floor - 3, 3rd floor -
3; west elevation, 1st floor - 1, 2nd floor - 2, 3rd floor - 2; and rear
elevation - none as only window on that elevation which is on the 2nd
floor has a window air conditioner unit, Mr. Jaquith asked Mr. Alpert
if he had considered alternatives and stated that this is one of the
most important historic buildings in Lexington. Mr. Alpert said that he
wants to maintain the historic characteristics of the building. Mr.
Whipple asked if wood storm windows are still made and Mr. Alpert said
that the person he had talked with does not sell them and does not know
where any could be obtained. He added that storm windows would be an
advantage to the building as would cut his fuel bill in the winter and
would cut down on the cost of the central air conditioning in the summer.
He said that the attic is heated as it is ued for storage by the second
floor tenant, Mr. Jaquith asked if he could put storm windows on the
inside of the windows and said that casement xindows have interior storm
screen windows. Mr. Jaquith stated that the Commission approved a spe-
cial lexan storm window for the Buckman Tavern which have to be off the
windows between April 18 and October 15. Mr. Alpert said that the two
apartments in the rear have this same triple track combination window.
Mr. Jaquith asked what condition the window sashes are in and Mr. Alpert
said that they seem to be sound and in good condition. Mr. Hooper asked
how old the building is and Mr. Alpert said that the plaque on the build-
ings gives a date of 1825, Mr. Jaquith said that the Calendar History
of Lexington shoxs 1830 and Mr. Whipple said 1829, Mr. Alpert said that
the attic still has the old grain wheel and trap door. Mr. Jaquith sand
that, if have combination window and raise the bottom section up in the
summer, would lose some protection and Mr. Alpert said that the tenants
probably would want the bottom section down. Mr. Alpert asked if it was
possible to see any difference in appearance between wood and aluminum
and was told that there is some difference, particularly because of mun-
tins. Mr. Packard asked what the windows would cost and Mr. Alpert said
about $30,00 each. Mr. Jaquith asked what the sill situation is on the
inside of the building and Mr. Alpert said that it was variable depending
on where abouts one was in the building, Mr. Jaquith said that he xas
not very much enchanted with putting combination windows on that histori-
caI building as this would be changing the architectural features of the
building and getting away from the authenticity of the building. Mr.
Hooper said that he thinks an old building, if used, has to be made
secure and that he cannot see anything against combination windows. Mr.
Jaquith asked if this is the best way to accomplish this with this
HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION - page 3 February 16, 1977
building. Mr. Whipple asked what condition the xindows are in and Mr.
Alpert reeled that some are reasonably tight. Mr. Alpert said that he
would like to match the combination windows that are on the apartment
xindows. This would be an investment of between $700 and $800 xithout
doing the bow window on the first floor front elevation, and he said that
a custom job could. be four times that or more. Mrs. Williams said that
she does not think it would be too objectionable. Mr. Whipple asked why
screens are more objectionable than storm windows and Mr. Alpert said
that the difference in color of screens shows. Mr. Jaquith asked if he
xould object to having a condition in the certificate that the storm win-
dows must be removed in the summer and Mr. Alpert said that he wants the
storm windows in the summer because of the air conditioning. The hearing
xas adjourned at 9:12 P.M.
Mr. Jaquith withdrew. It was moved, seconded, and VOTED that Com-
missioner S. Laxrence Whipple serve as Chairman Pro Tem. Associate Com-
missioner Oliver F. Hooper was appointed to serve for Mr. Jaquith. A
hearing xas held at 9s18 P.M. on the application of the Cambridgeport
Savings Bank .with respect to changes in the architectural features of the
building and the erection and display of signs on the building at 1?51
Massachusetts Avenue, which is xithin the Battle Green District. Mr.
Whipple read the legal notice and application. John Kendall Mitchell,
Architect, and George Wilson. Vice President and Treaurer of Cambridge-
port Savings Bank, represented the applicant. Also present xere Anne
Grady, Elizabeth Reinhart, and Richard Morehouse of the Lexington His-
torical Commission. Mr. Whipple stated that an informal meeting had been
held the previous week at which time the Commission had reviewed drawings
of the proposed changes and had discussed these xith the two representa-
tives of the Bank. Mr. Mitchell submitted three sets of scale drawings
of the proposed changes which incorporated suggestions made at the in-
formal meeting. Mr. Whipple stated that the sign of the previous tenant
had been removed and that brick to match existing brick would be in-
stalled where the transom is. He stated that new muntined xindows and a
new door would be installed. 8" aide tongue and groove boarding to re-
place the marblized base will be installed. Mr. Whipple stated that one
of the major concerns of the Commission members is matching the existing
brick. He also said that drawings of the proposed signs had not been
submitted previously. Mr. Mitchell said that brick instead of poured
concrete would be used in front of the door which is to be recessed and
also in front of the recessed windox. He stated that the hardware on the
door would be brass and that lighting would be installed in the soffits.
Mr. Whipple asked what they proposed for the signs and Mr. Mitchell said
that they were proposing 1 1~2" deep stainless steel enameled white let-
ters mounted 1~2" off the store front. He said that the largest letter
would be 12" in height and the others 8" in height. Mr. Whipple asked
why they planned to use white enamel letters. Mr. Mitchell said that the
letters would be put on the existing brick and that the muntined window
sash and the boarding below the front windows would be white so they
wanted to keep the letters white also. He said that they might have to
HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION - page 4 February 16, 1977
use a thinner letter, such as 1~4" aluminum. Mr. Whipple asked, if they
had a 1~4"-1 1~2" letter, would they have to use white? Mr. Mitchell
said that they were not yet convinced that white letters would be the
best letters that they could use. He said that they might try and match
the decorative light fixture material. The proposed lighting fixture is
38" high by 21" wide and 8 1~2" deep, with a brass finish. Mr. Mitchell
said that they could go to a letter that matches the brass finish. He
said that an acrylic material would be used in the fixture in place of
glass. Mr. Mitchell said that the soffit lights would be 5" diameter
lights and that they are considering two per recessed section. Mrs.
Samoylenko said that she still has reservations about the wood boarding
because of maintenance problesm. Mrs. Williams asked if there was any
reason for recessing the window and Mr. Mitchell said that they felt it
gave interest to the front facade and also that it would be a place for
people to stand to view displays. The window casings and muntins are of
wood. Mrs. Williams said that she feels that the xhite boarding below
the xindows on the front elevation seems weak and wishes that brick were
to used instead of the wood boarding. Mrs. Samoylenko asked, if, when
they designed the front elevation, was it to be homogeneous to the Trani
building and the 1775 Realty Trust building and Mr: Mitchell said that
he had nothing specific in mind. He said that he was trying to respect
the existing foundation, roof, and xalls. Then followed discussion on
the rear elevation. Mr. Whipple said that they were removing the loading
door and Filling the space in with brick, adding blinds to the second
floor windows, repairing the platform, installing a planter in front of
the platform, and painting all trim white. He asked if they had altered
the doorway at all and Mr. Mitchell said that they had not. He said
that they had decided to retain a 3' canopy. Mrs. Samoylenko commented
that with an interior vestibule they do not need a 3' canopy. Mr.
Whipple said that he felt the same way. Mr. Mitchell said that they were
not putting security lighting on the rear but would install security
light at roofline of the side elevation. This light would be about 18"
high by 12" wide, and 12" deep and would be a black cylinder with pris-
matic lighting effect. He said that there would not be a dumpster. The
platform is being retained to hide air conditioning components. Mr.
Whipple returned to the discussion of the canopy and P~:r. Packard com-
mented that it looks better than what is there now. Mrs. Samoylenko said
that she feels that they can accomplish what they want xith an 18" canopy
and that a 36" canopy is not necessary. Mr. Wilson stated that, if the
Commission members want an 18" canopy, they will install an 18" canopy.
Mr. Mitchell said that the planter would be of dark brown treated shiplap
timber, 6" high by 8" wide by 25' long and would be 6" above the pavement,
Some form of evergreen would be planted in this planter. The lighting
fixture on the rear elevation would be similar in terms of material and
design as that on the front elevation but for lighting purposes in the
rear. Nlr. Hooper said that he felt a 12" canopy would be better than an
18" canopy. Mr. Whipple asked if the window sash was in good repair and
Mr. Mitchell said that all it needed was puttying and painting. Mr.
Whipple asked if they would use wood louvred blinds and Mr. Mitchell said
that they would use wood louvred blinds. Mr. Hooper asked. if the brick
was going to be tied in or toothed in and Nir. Mitchell said that they
' ~
HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION - page 5 February 16, 1977
were just going to fill in the area but that it could be toothed in if
the Commission preferred. Mr. Morehouse stated that, what is being pro-
posed creates a good image for the rest of the building and the proposed
signs are good, but that he thinks bronze letters best and in good taste.
Mr. Morehouse commented that he felt that the recessed window xas good
and added to the attractiveness of the front elevation. He said that he
felt that the lighting fixture is a poor imitation and, if only for deco-
rative purpose, is very unnecessary and in poor taste. Mr. Whipple asked
what kind of glass would be used in the windows and Mr. Mitchell said
thermopane insulated glass would be used. Mr. Whipple asked if there
would be drapes on the inside of the xindoxs and. if so, if they would be
drawn. Mr. Wilson said. that they xould have drapes but that they would
be open as much as possible for security reasons. Mr. Morehouse said
that he xondered if xood is appropriate belox the xindoxs and also ques-
tioned if they xould not have a maintenance problem xith white xood in
that area. He asked Mr. Mitchell if he xas sure that rolled roofing
xould stay on for more than a year or txo and asked if they could consi-
der installing copper roofing over the canopy instead. He also asked if
the blinds xere really necessary. Mr. Mitchell said that he felt that the
blinds helped the appearance of the rear elevation. Mr. Morehouse said
that he thought the building might look as well without them as he feels
that fake blinds that do not close look bad. Mr. Mitchell said that the
each blind would be 18" ride and that the windows are 40" wide. Mr. More-
house said that he feels that the xindows would carry themselves. He said
that• he feels that this is a very reasonable job but that he feels
that the light fixture on the front elevation is bad. He suggested that,
if the front window frame could be made of brick veneer, it might look
better and that the recessed section frames could be of xood. Mrs.
Samoylenko said that she xould feel better about having brick in the re-
cessed center section. Mr. Mitchell said that they mai~ld like to keep
all below the brick upper section in xood and glass. Mr. Morehouse said
that he feels that the pilasters could be of brick. Mrs. Samoylenkos said
that the choice of material bothers her. Mrs. Williams said that she feels
it is important to make the front elevation right and said that she appre-
ciates their efforts to improve the rear elevation. Mr. Whipple said that
the Commission members have reservations on the front lighting fixture.
Mr, Morehouse commented that the blinds on the rear elevation seem more ap-
propriate for a residential building and that this is a business building.
Mr. Whipple said that the sign might stand out better without the blinds.
Mr. Wilson commented that they would omit the front elevation light fixture
and that the color of the letters could be decided upon later, Mr. More-
house said that he felt white letters x111 be very startling. The hearing
was adjourned at i1:I0 P.M,
Then followed a brief discussion of the plans presented by the Cam-
bridgeport Savings Bank.
Mr. Jaquith resumed the chair.
HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION - page 6 February 16, 1977
Then followed a brief discussion of the application of Louis J. and
Marie A. Bakanowsky with respect to removal of the aluminum combination
storm door, installation of a brass door knocker on the front door, and
painting the front door black in lieu of the existing blue-green color
on the dwelling at 6 Parker Street. It was moved, seconded, and unani-
mously VOTED to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness to Louis J. and
Marie A. Bakanowsky with respect to the above mentioned exterior archi-
tectural changes in the dwelling at 6 Parker Street, which is within the
Battle Green District. Participating in this decision were Commissioners
'Wilbur M. Jaquith, Georgia H. Williams, S. Lawrence Whipple, Acting Com-
missioner John R. Packard, and Associate Commissioner Oliver F. Hooper.
Then followed a brief discussion on the application of Louis J. and
Marie A. Bakanowsky with respect to the erection of a fence on the pre-
mises at 6 Parker Street. Mr. Jaquith said that he will not vote for a
6' fence for that location. Mr. Packard suggested that the Commission
deny the application and let him come in xith another proposal. Mr.
Whipple said that he agreed, that the fence was too high,. that it was un-
attractive, and that it was inappropriate. Upon motion made by Mr. Packard. and
seconded by Mr. Whipple, it was unanimously VOTED to disapprove the appli-
cation of Louis J. and Marie A. Bakanowsky for a fence on the premises at
6 Parker Street, which is within the Battle Green District, for the rea-
sons that the fence is too high and is not appropriate for open area of
that particular location. Participating in this decision xere Commis-
sioners Wilbur M. Jaquith, Georgia H. Williams, S. Lawrence Whipple, Act-
ing Commissioner John R. Packard, and Associate Commissioner Oliver F.
Hooper.
The meeting was adjourned at 11s30 P.M. ~r
~o i w ~J o-~.-.. s-
Geor~ia H. Williams
secretary