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31B-240 156 Elm St-Tenney House-Historic District Certificate of Appropriateness-3-23-2000Peg, Letter of Transmittal Date: 03/06/00 To: Re: Peg Kellor Northampton Planning Department Application for Historic District Application Tenney House PliysicaIPlant Department Please find the Application for Historic District Certificate for a renovation project at 156 Elm Street (Tenney House) scheduled for summer of 2000. Enclosed Under separate cover Please find 6 copies of a project description package to inform the committee about the project. The package includes: 2 1934 photo's of the house, a page from "This, The. House We Live In a copy of the 1935 Map of Grounds, Smith College (with notes), 2 pages from the Elm. Street Historic District Study Committee Preliminary Report of January 1994, and a stapled package from the Architect (Alderman MacNeish) that includes a site plan, 1 floor plan, 4 elevations and 3 pairs electronic color photo's showing existing "new" views of the house. Please let me know when the public hearing can be scheduled and if you need any more information. For use For your Record For your Approval For your Review For signature Thalds/ Gary J. ]tIartv Project Manager Physical Plant Cc: Bob Lesko, Associate Director Physical Plant Charlie Conant, Operations Facilities Jim Tobin, Alderman &McNeish file Scanned Digitized Checked �f'n "}LY�l 2YWy hfu tXSt o$`; r u4 P TTRT iG`HEARTNG I4(1TICFi� 7 =l'' The Historic Distfict:Coinibisalon will' hold:a" Public hearing an Thursday, March 23r/000 it 4:007, p.m. in the Council Chambers,' Wallace S: ]?uchal ski Mw dpal'Bnilding, Northampton, re garding renovation of Tenney'••Hose,•Smith College Campus, 156 ElmStreet.' Any Other Business will follow the public hearing March li 3 APPLICANT: ADDRESS PHONE: OWNER: ADDRESS new building re- siding sign(s) Same Signature of AppIicant/Owner The Historic:Distriet Commissi If checked.:and signed,.. .TR03EG'T';IS F7 (see> list >of:exemptions) <fi$IS:;;SE (VES s2B. :vie:: condition that aii'work a I one.in acco'diance�. :..this:applicationlarid fhe:folio eirig;conditionSKitan a eration demolition or removal re- roofmg (epair /replacement (viother (specify). Au-licsslv.c.‘ (Ci.fr?ZAA,C-cr Application For Historic District Crtxf�cc- --4 The Trustee's of the Smith College c/o Physical Plant 0 126 West Street, Northampton, MA 01063 585-2441 (Gary Hartwell, Project Manager) RE: Land or Buildings at: JS? Elm Street, Northampton, ASSESSORS' MAP PARCEL 2-4b Pursuant to Chapter 40C of the General Laws of Massachusetts, application is hereby made for issuancef a Certificate for work within a Local Historic District for: i Description of proposed work: The proposed project at Tenney House, is a total renovation of a 7,609 sf wood frame dormitory. The project will include all code mandated upgrades; fire separation, egress, life safety and accessibility requirements, and will also include replacement of the roofs and windows, major mechanical systems, all interior finishes and the addition of a stair tower (3' floor only) and a shed dormer to match existing. Please find attached, 7 copies, of references and drawings. (Old photo from,,J» g• 31 I hereby certify that the information on this application and any plans submitted herewith are correct and constitute a complete dbscription of the work proposed. I grant the Historic District Commission members and agents the right to enter my property to inspect the proposed work. If I am not the property owner, I certify that I have received the owner's permission to a..Iy for this certification and am authorized to act of the owner's behalf for this application: 3 (c dition/expansion porch/deck Histo ric :Co mmission :or: Authorized Subcommitte (the Coriirriis3zonyi (lcicecic:one >ofatvocbozes field <i escripY io a:::prb iAt d iI iy a appheanfan USE THIS FORM ONLY AFTER A PUBLIC HEARING APPLICANT: 4 ADDRESS 1 Z Q IAPP! PHONE: Vic• 4 OWNER ADDRESS. RE: Land or Buildings at: 16(o Elm Street, Northampton, ASSESSORS' MAP #:31. PARCEL The Historic District Commission has determined that (the Commission will check one of three.b@es): r If checked and signed, THE PROJECT IS APPROPRIATE under the ordinance and'MGL C. 40C. THIS SERVES AS A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS, with the condition that all work be done in accordance with the description provided by the applicant in his/her application to the Historic District Commission and the following conditions i any). litilkt 1 AVt 0V o 1 pis QR s If checked and signed, 'THERE IS A UNIQUE HARDSHIP under the ordinance and MGL. C. 40C. THIS SERVES AS A CERTIFICATE OF HARDSHIP, with the condition that all work be done in accordance with the description provided by the applicant in his/her application to the Historic District Commission and the following conditions (if any): PROJECT IS NOT APPROPRIATE NOR A HARDSHIP under the ordinance and M.G.L.. C. 40C. THIS SERVES AS A DISAPPROVAL OF A CERTIFICATE OF HARDSHIP. If, within 14 days, the applicant does not modify to their project as detailed below, THIS SHALL ALSO SERVE AS DISAPPROVAL OF A CERI'JJi1CATE OF APPROPRIATENESS. If, within 14 days, the applicant addresses the reasons for denial and modifies their project as detailed below, and files these modifications with the Commission, the Commission shall, within a reasonable time period, issue a Certificate of Appropriateness. A Certificate of Appropriateness, with appropriate dimensional, set -back and other requirements and conditions cannot be issued without these modifications because the project, as described, does not meet the criteria. These requirements are only for the purpose of preventing developments incongruous to the historic aspects or characteristics of the surroundings and of the historic district. The Commission should address how the project meets OR fails to meet to Appropriateness criteria: 1. The general design, arrangement, texture and material of the features involved and the appropriateness of the size and shape of the building or structure in the relationship to land, area upon which the building is situated and to buildings and structures in the vicinity: including: maintain construction design, building alignment, setback, height, and articulation that are consistent or compatible with traditional patterns of surrou ding buildings and avoid mirrored or ighly reflective glas w k (A i OA 4M M c •�er�•0 'IAA IxJp6 CJE. 4r L 4 II: kV..► k.' ilgramosmarni 2. The relation of such features involved to similar features of buildings and structures in the surrounding area, including: preserve, to the extend practical and consistent with encouraging consistent setbacks and heights, h':h quality views of land ark building TNn1111 1 3. The historic and architectural value and significance of the site, buildings or structure, including: avoid exterior or facade changes to buildings that would damage historic features or are not otherwise readily reversible except when such changes replicate historic features, restore previously damaged historical features, or are otherwise compatible with the detail and character of the district: IMENEWIMMINKWeffei i If the Commission denies a Certificate of Appropriateness or if an applicant applies directly for Certificate of Hardship, the Commission should address how the project meets or fails to meet all the hardship criteria: 1. Conditions especially affecting the building or structures involved but not affecting the historic district generally: 2. Failure to approve the application will involve a substantial hardship, financial or otherwise: 3. Application may be approved without substantial detriment to the public welfare and without substantial derogation from the intent and purposes of the Ordinance: The Historic Commission vote was Histo i)A (C :1 Fflesl WPfileslELMIffPPROPRIATENESS AND HARDSHIP, elm street form a TENNEY HOUSE 156 ELM STREET The house at 156 Elm Street was built by James Ward who had opened and developed the Paradise Lots. For twenty years, 1896 -1916, it was the parsonage of St. John's Church. Acquired by Smith College in 1916, it served as a college house for another twenty years before it became Tenney House in 1937. The original Tenney House stood at 33 Elm Street, one of the town's early Clark family houses. It was there that the Tenney House "experiment" began. Mary Smith Tenney, a descendant A of I -re- se Clark, returned to the family home after twenty -five years as head of a school in Ohio. Her concern for students continued, and she rented rooms to Smith students on the sec- ond floor of the big house, gradually developing cooperative housekeeping arrangements for her lodgers to help them save expenses. In 1895 Mrs. Tenney provided for the continuation of this very successful venture by bequeathing, with her brother Justin, the house, and land on Bedford Terrace, to Smith "to provide a home for students of Smith College which shall be called The Tenney House. It is my,desire that thereby a limited number of meritorious students unable to meet the full ex- penses of a college education may obtain board at lower rates." Mrs. Tenney's cooperative housekeeping was continued by Smith in _her old home from 1895 until 1937. In that year the Alumnae Association acquired the site for an Alumnae House. When the old house was razed, the cooperative project and the Tenney House name were re- assigned to 156 Elm Street. Tenney House in its two locations has won affection from its "meritorious" residents for nearly a century and popular acclaim from neighboring students and friends who have found it a place "like home." "We love the house and we do honor it," wrote a student. "Everyone's a good cook by the time she leaves," said another. Mrs. Tenney need not have feared that Tenney House would appear to be under- privileged; her portrait, painted in 1895 by Mary Rogers Williams, looks contentedly upon a happy household. 96 Scanned Digitized Checked i71 MAP ID 31D-11 31 D -6 31D-101 31D-2 31 B -252 31B-251 31B-250 31B-248 31B-247 31B-246 31 B -245 31B-244 31B-243 31B-242 31 B -241 31 B -240 31A-67 31 A -68 31 A -69 31 A -70 31A-71 31 A -72 31 A -73 31 A -74 31A-76 31 A -78 31A-79 31A-80 31 A -81 31 A -82 31 A -328 31A-83 31A-84 31A-85 31 A -2 31 A -1 24C -43 SOUTH SIDE OF ELM STREET ADDRESS Elm St/Smith- Elm St/Smith 48 Elm Street Elm St/Smith Elm St/Smith 76 Elm Street 84 Elm Street 96 Elm/Smith 112 am/Smith Elm St/Smith Elm ST /Smith Elm St/Smith 138 Elm/Smith 146 Elm/Smith 150 Elm/Smith 156 EIm/Smith 186 Elm/Smith 196 Elm Street 206 Elm Street 210 Elm Street 218 Elm Street 222 EIm Street 234 Elm Street 240 Elm Street 264 Elm Street 276 Elm Street 280 EIm Street 292 Elm Street 296 Elm Street 300 Elm Street 300A EIm Street 302 Elm Street 310 Elm Street 320 Elm Street 330 Elm Street 336 Elm Street 354 Elm Street INVENTORY OF PRINCIPAL BUILDINGS IN HISTORIC DISTRICT DATE 1874 1972 1893 1878/90 1910 1889 1.750 1865/1905 1861 1891 -95 1880 1865 -71 1874 1884 1880 1922-36 1854 -60 1800 1828 1850 1891 1884 1870 -80 19 1927 1891 1889 -95 1889 -90 18 1940 1901 1911 -13 1893 1920 STYLE Gothic Revival Modern Romanesque Revival Queen Anne Neo Greek Revival Craftsman Brick Colonial Gothic Revival Queen Anne/Shingle Second Empire Stick Cottage Stick Cottage Victorian Cottage Victorian Cottage Neo- Georgian Greek Revival originally Colonial Vernacular Greek Revival Greek Revival Late Classicism. Victorian 19th C. Queen Anne Colonial Revival Beaux Arts Queen Anne Queen Anne Queen Anne/Vernacular Colonial Revival Colonial Revival Renaissance Revival/Eclectic Details Queen Anne Colonial Revival 1900 Craftsman/Rectory (Jr) uJ (L) z LU INSOMINOINSMICAZIEMii rd r0 O rd O co U rcS 0 0 r N O Cfl A N O 4-I CS*). U -N 0 •r•1 c R._..____.__ .__O._ U] g 4 o C O 0 4-1 y� •H up O al 0 b 2 D U 4 0) N 0+ Z 0 0 4-a 2 a N 0 o m ,2 4 0 73 bl to r4 2- O 0 o o U 0 u U) p co 0 H 4) "-I O O O O •r-1 cn c1) m •N U TS O ri 0 CD 2 U 0 0 O O U 0 U m N tr a .4 ,--1 ts rcl Crl P C.) H r�I U CO O m p co 24 co W 0 N 0 H 0 1-1-1 c/4 m V) al o 9 0 2 a) TENNEY HOUSE FIRST FLOOR PLAN ALDERMAN MACNEISH G' DEp 1 ENGNEERS April 28, 2000 Charles Conant Smith College Physical Plant 126 West Street Northampton, MA 01063 Dear Mr. Conant: (71 J i B. McDonough tive Director State Historic Preservation Officer Massachusetts Historical Commission The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Massachusetts Historical Commission RE: Renovations at Tenney House, 156 Elm Street, Northampton, MA; MHC# 25399 Staff of the Massachusetts Historical Commission have reviewed the information you submitted, received March 31, 2000, concerning the proposed project referenced above. Tenney House is listed in the State Register of Historic Places as part of the Elm Street Local Historic District. After a review of the information submitted, MHC has the following comments. The MHC understands that the proposed project involves interior and exterior rehabilitation of the house used by Smith College as student dormitory space. The proposed project will include modification of the porch to provide an accessible entrance, window replacement, and slate roof replacement. After a review of materials submitted and MHC files, I have determined that the proposed project will have an "adverse effect" on the Elm Street Historic District through the removal and replacement of character defining wooden windows (950 CMR 71.05(a)). In accordance with 950 CMR 71.07(3),'the MHC requests the opportunity to consult with the project proponent to seek ways to avoid, minimize or mitigate the adverse effect of the proposed demolition on Hopkins House. The proposed window replacement project does not meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties because the replacement is aluminum -clad rather than wood. The MHC requests additional information regarding the condition of the existing windows proposed for replacement and a drawing which depicts the existing windows' dimensions. The MHC requests information on whether or not repair in combination with the installation of an effective storm window was considered. These comments are offered to assist in compliance with M.G.L. Chapter 9, Section 26 -27c, as amended by Chapter 254 of the Acts of 1988 (950 CMR 71). Please feel free to contact Ann Lattinville of my staff if you have questions. Sincerely, xc: Northampton Historical Commission Northampton Historic District Commission Scanned Digitized 220 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, Massachusetts 02125 (617) 724 Fax: (617) 727 -5128 TDD: 1- 800 392 -6090 unvtv.state.ma.us/sec/mbc 1 l' f .r. A"1.y ;�Y'.� 1' q.. PtTB74C RTNf: NQTICE The Historie.Dts ct Comtnissioh wlli'old a" public hearing on Thuredag March 23,2000 at 4:00 p.m. in the Councll Chambers,'Wailace J: Puchal sid Munlcipal Building, Northampton, Mass. re: garding renovation of Tenney' House,' Smith College Campus, 156 Elm'Street.' Any Other Business will follow the public hearing. March 11 APPLICANT: ADDRESS PHONE: OWNER- ADDRESS Same new building a eration re- siding re- roofing sign(s) Vrother (specify). Description of proposed work: Signature of Applicant/Owner The Historic:District• Commissi If checkedand signed, 1 30103EC"TIS:.iXE.: (see::list of exemptions). <.TBJS: SE)_t ES ASv1Hr:?. :.theconditi rtronthat: iltAvorltigesdorieii&accor� dance :.this:' hcatiori:and'the:follo "n`': PP g DATE: 3/7/x00,0 Application For Historic District C*rtifr' The Trustee's of the Smith College c/o Physical Plant 126 West Street, Northampton, MA 01063 585 -2441 (Gary Hartwell, Project Manager) RE: Land or Buildings at: /56 Elm Street, Northampton, ASSESSORS' MAP 31 PARCEL 2 4 0 Pursuant to Chapter 40C of the General Laws of Massachusetts, application is hereby made for issuancpof Certificate for work within a Local Historic District for: demolition or removal dition/expansion (epair /replacement porch/deck A u-gssl s taPr AA/ccr The proposed project at Tenney House, is a total renovation of a 7,609 sf wood frame dormitory. They project will include all code mandated upgrades; fire separation, egress, life safety and accessibility requirements, and will also include replacement of the roofs and windows, major mechanical systems, all interior finishes and the addition of a stair tower (3' floor only) and a shed dormer to match existing. Please find attached, 7 copies, of references and drawings. (Old photo from).936) g 3 I hereby certify that the information on this application and any plans submitted herewith are correct and constitute a complete description of the work proposed. I grant the Historic District Commission members and agents the right to enter my property to inspect the proposed work. If I am not the property owner, I certify that I have received the owner's permission to a. .ly for this certification and am authorized to act of the owner's behalf for this application: 1 Date 3 (s o'0 }ti ed th :(tkeConiiriis`sion< viQ: heek :one:oftwo':hoes: 1 DIt: §26S:Subsection(s).;: >s:::::: APPLI CARILi'TY it des apti+onp ov d ti the applicanfan P. tOJECTIS? :NOlEXElyli NDER §26 AiE�I4 I�IGAB :DENIED 1 he 'Commisslon-will:`bold:a:public hearingito; onsider�- Certificate of 'ropriateness >01 Hardshi ou::.. 6 2000 Historic:Commissiomor: Authorized :Subcommitte lift 14 k' L 1 �o,' y f- y o�� USE THIS FORM ONLY AFTER A PUBLIC HEARING APPLICANT: A ADDRESS- (ZIQ PHONE: stt,s. X44) 07$1441 i OWNER- ADDRESS- �'�L�I"_ RE: Land or Buildings at 1 (o Elm Street, Northampton, ASSESSORS' MAP #:31 PARCEL a The Historic District Commission has determined that (the Commission will check ane of three.1*.es): M If checked and signed, 'I HE PROJECT IS APPROPRIATE under the ordinance and C. 40C. THIS SERVES AS A CER'1'11+7CATE OF APPROPRIATENESS, with the condition that all work be done in accordance with the description provided by the applicant in his/her application to the Historic District Commission and the following conditions i Utit\I11t au A Oil\A 0 r any PrS RR fp If checked and signed, '17IERE IS A UNIQUE HARDSHIP under the ordinance and MGL. C. 40C. THIS SERVES AS A CERTIFICATE OF HARDSHIP, with the condition that all work be done in accordance with the description provided by the applicant in his/her application to the Historic District Commission and the following conditions (if any)' PROJECT IS NOT APPROPRIATE NOR A HARDSHIP under the ordinance and M.G.L. C. 40C. THIS SERVES AS A DISAPPROVAL OF A CERTIFICATE OF HARDSHIP. If, within 14 days, the applicant does not modify to their project as detailed below, THIS SHALL ALSO SERVE AS DISAPPROVAL OF A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS. If, within 14 days, the applicant addresses the reasons for denial and modifies their project as detailed below, and files these modifications with the Commission, the Commission shall, within a reasonable time period, issue a Certificate of Appropriateness. A Certificate of Appropriateness, with appropriate dimensional, set -back and other requirements and conditions cannot be issued without these modifications because the project, as described, does not meet the criteria. These requirements are only for the purpose of preventing developments incongruous to the historic aspects or characteristics of the surroundings and of the historic district. The Commission should address how the project meets OR fails to meet to Appropriateness criteria: 1. The general design, arrangement, texture and material of the features involved and the appropriateness of the size and shape of the building or structure in the relationship to land area upon which the building is situated and to buildings and structures in the vicinity: including: maintain construction design, building alignment, setback, height, and articulation that are consistent or compatible with traditional patterns of surrou ding buildings and avoid mirrored or ighly reflective glas cA Q� IM nn c r'f� inn r- pd 010 `W4,rdJ I *t I ►•M4. i..: 1 4 g .1 .'kA k Arivavzirmarnimmummimmummaimi 2. The relation of such features involved to similar features of buildings and structures in the surrounding area, including: preserve, to the extend practical and consistent with encouraging consistent setbacks and heights, If h quality views of land i ark building The Historic Commission vote was iai. n Ail DATE 3 C� a coo (C :1 Ffilesl WPfilesIELMLAPPROPRIATENESSAND HARDSHIP, elm street forma roved 3 /3/97) 3. The historic and architectural value and significance of the site, buildings or structure, including: avoid exterior or facade changes to buildings that would damage historic features or are not otherwise readily reversible except when such changes replicate historic features, restore previously damaged historical features, or are otherwise compatible with the detail and character of the district: i If the Commission denies a Certificate of Appropriateness or if an applicant applies directly for Certificate of Hardship, the Commission should address how the project meets or fails to meet all the hardship criteria: 1. Conditions especially affecting the building or structures involved but not affecting the historic district generally: 2. Failure to approve the application will involve a substantial hardship, financial or otherwise: 3. Application may be approved without substantial detriment to the public welfare and without substantial derogation from the intent and purposes of the Ordinance: t s car or ,r 3Ni L..L. z 0 U 0< z W Z Z W p z ErFr.,-;;10.-:.■17;'''''.11 .r.AP•xt w Z N 3 J IIIIIIIIIIIIIII1 ME■ EM ME■ MIN M E■ NNE iii D 4.41 in d '3 O (K X L z O ILI i- 0_ 5 u Q O 0 O z 0 O w cs>a U n :w 00 XO Xa w Xa C a a a) i z 0 W 0 z 0 2 z L� l- 11111111111111111 1111111111111111111 IIIIIIIII1III1IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII 111111 rill= smnsuggggtngromns 0 cp p 4 U �in to OL IL NCI IY CL lli L z o N •O X �O t 0 0 Z 0 cL z p w O 4- O= �,i ti J 88 z=. U 1 Q 1.110 WI- WD Lu"4 W 0 zLL z+- zQ zQ ZEi- z(X z wz O� EN o 0ai QV OUA I 0 1-- w w0 w0 z+- 24- 0 N U 4 o o z to 0 w Li- i= CD 0 z 0 z w fe 0 0 w !Y Q�w� 0 zoz ,ti E) w O Z E O O z L 1JJ 111 z 0 I— W C,/) U a w w U 0z o c p_�_� U c Q ui OX wj Z W 'z 1L z z CZ r_ O I o O w z ILI Z 4- lu� 0 Z�z `n� 1 u O 4O Ill L 1 z E O z [K Ill U] Zw 1 1111111 11 111111 W iY■' 4 -c0 Lu fl �w p w� w 0_ U O Wo N co —1 O uei O LL w�p Y 0 u1 w �Z g z l-- n z a z t 11 11 911 1111111151 11 111 11111 1 z 0 w W J W 1 DC W Z w OX UO O n w w c t n U_ g� 03 n 3 z r ix z zQ z�U O z 3 w z z p _1 V co u_t �4t n z we L1 z- 4< w w Q Z J) O O z O O z n 11J D D 0 O 3 WQ= ZZ z z 0 W J W 0 Classical Revival Architecture Toward the end of the i7oo's the direct influence of ancient Greece and Rome began to be felt in architecture as well as in other arts. Classical forms in colonial and Georgian buildings were derivative, in the sense of having descended from the Italian Renaissance by slow and diluting stages; columned temple fronts for example, inde- pendent of the body of the building, were rarely constructed. But with the discovery of the ruins of Pompeii in the mid i7oo's, a new, more scientific and archaeological fashion was begun and artists and architects increasingly went directly to the ancient, pre- Christian monuments and ruins for inspiration. In the new United States this appeared first in the classically- derived buildings of Thomas Jefferson 2 (whose own designs, such as his famous home at Monticello, have had a long life in American architecture). Then, about 182o, a na- tional style appeared, the Greek Revival. A passion for the ancient world developed, a passion reflected in education, in the names of new cities and towns (Athens, Utica, Syracuse, and the like), and above all in architecture. The temple front —the columned portico with its triangular pediment above became a necessary part of all proper architecture; the result, as one foreign visitor remarked, was that you could not tell the function of an American building from the outside, for churches, government buildings, schools, and so on all looked rather alike. But again the building material was almost al- ways wood, and again the ancient originals were by no means always recognizable in the result, for the Greek Revival was not the product of archaeological science or of a need to reproduce ancient buildings exactly. Nor was it all Greek; unfluted, smooth columns 21 appeared, and many other details were often Roman, taken from the books of drawings of ancient monuments, both ruins and restora- tions, that had become increasingly available. Northampton, on the tide of fashion, once had a very large, indeed sumptuous, Greek Revival house, the Bowers House (later the Bright House) of 1826. It stood near the corner of Summer and Prospect Streets and was designed by Ithiel Town of New Haven and New York, an architect of rank. It had a full six columned porch two tall stories high, and the main body of the house, behind the porch, was flanked by extending symmetrical wings, lower but also columned. Scanned Digitized Checked The Bowers house is gone, but its influence can be seen roundabout, for example in two fine houses side by side on Main Street in neigh 22 boring Haydenville. Other grand Greek Revival buildings appeared 23 in Northampton, houses of important citizens. Most used the Ionic 24 order, slender and scrolled, with the details, sometimes archaeologi- cally quite exact, carried out sensitively in wood (ancient architecture is classified according to "orders," or types of columns with their capi- tals atop and accompanying systems of moldings and proportions). The effect of the Greek Revival can be seen in numerous buildings 25 that do not have temple fronts —in their porches, pediments, and colonnades. The pediment is everywhere in American architecture as it is in Europe, and until quite recently many architects could hardly design a facade, doorway, or window without it. It is both the logical result of building a rainshedding roof of two sloping surfaces, and of wishing to use the most recognizable architectural symbol of that classical antiquity the founding fathers looked to with such rever- ence and interest (even our traditional fire boxes take the shape of temple fronts). But, this being America, all kinds of combinations of styles appeared. A dignified five -over -five brick house could be 26 capped by a classical cornice, its lines of moldings and typical accom- panying staccato of light and shade binding the surfaces of the build- ing together and giving finish to its edges. The simplicity of design so marvelously expressed in the best ancient Greek architecture caught the imagination of many craftsmen, such as those who de- 27 signed certain beautiful, austere local tombs. By the time the Civil War broke out the Greek Revival was over, but the sense of historical continuity that temple fronts convey continued to be sought after 28 for a long time, and as a result they are as much a part of the Ameri- can townscape as the church spire. 28 28. Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, 43 Center Street 27 t e, Otis d or ject. D. rs a !led and 7 .7k t erVs �Hc Fc Letter of Transmittal Date: 03/06/00 To: Re: Peg Kellor Tenney House Northampton Planning Department Application for Historic District Application Peg, Please find the Application for Historic District Certificate for a renovation project at 156 Elm Street (Tenney House) scheduled for summer of 2000. Enclosed Under separate cover Please find 6 copies of a project description package to inform the committee about the project. The package includes: 2 1934 photo's of the house, a page from "This, The House We Live In a copy of the 1935 Map of Grounds, Smith College (with notes), 2 pages from. the Elm Street Historic District Study Committee Preliminary Report of January 1994, and a stapled package from the Architect (Alderman MacNeish) that includes a site plan, 1 floor plan, 4 elevations and 3 pairs electronic color photo's showing existing "new" views of the house. Please let me know when the public hearing can be scheduled and if you need any more information. For use For your Record For your Approval For your Review For signature Th Gary J. r rtkl1 Project Manager Physical Plant Cc: Bob Lesko, Associate Director Physical Plant Charlie Conant, Operations Facilities Jim Tobin, Alderman MacNeish file Physical Department Scanned Digitized Checked MULTI- PURPOSE TOLET 0 I I I I BEDROOM 1101 I I ENTRANCE TELEPHONE 1 CLOSET 100 ENTRANCE VESTIBULE 1ooc1L STAIR 0001 u OO o CORRDOR STAIR 121 V II I■ la up �w D J .L J TENNEY HOUSE FIRST FLOOR PLAN NORTHAMPTON, MA LAUNDRY/ STORAGE loots wo I o 5 0 0 LMN LOOM READIROOM I l L LI KITCHEN Bd L 1 ALDERMAN MAC NEISH ARCHTECTS APO ENCH3ERS PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE TheHistoric Comtnission`will'hold a public hearing on Thursday, March 23;1000 at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Wallace T. Puchal I'- ski Municipal Building, Northampton, Mass. re- garding renovation of Tenney' House, Smith College Campus, 158 Elm Street. Any Other Business will follow, the public j hearing. March ll APPLICANT: ADDRESS PHONE: OWNER: ADDRESS Application For Historic District The Trustee's of the Smith College c/o Physical Plant 126 West Street, Northampton, MA 01063 585 -2441 (Gary Hartwell, Project Manager) new building a eration demolition or removal (c-)ddition/expansion re- siding re-roofing epair /replacement porch/deck sign(s) (other (specify). A�-Essst1?c. i t cr Description of proposed work: The proposed project at Tenney House, is a total renovation of a 7,609 sf wood frame dormitory. The project will include all code mandated upgrades; fire separation, egress, life safety and accessibility requirements, and will also include replacement of the roofs and windows, major mechanical systems, all interior finishes and the addition of a stair tower (3' floor only) and a shed dormer to match existing. Please find attached, 7 copies, of references and drawings. (Old photo from, IA3) Same RE: Land or Buildings at: J5[ Elm Street, Northampton, ASSESSORS' MAP 11 PARCEL 2 4 0 Pursuant to Chapter 40C of the General Laws of Massachusetts, application is hereby made for issuance -of a Certificate for work within a Local Historic District for: O? I hereby certify that the information on this application and any plans submitted herewith are correct and constitute a complete description of the work proposed. I grant the Historic District Commission members and agents the right to enter my property to inspect the proposed work. If I am not the property owner, I certify that I have received the owner's to a..1y for this certification and am authorized to act of the owner's behalf for this application: Signature of Applicant/Owner The Historic: District Commissi If:: checked :and signed, '•1HLE PRWECT IS =EXE (see> list> of :ezeriiptions): »'I'E'S: <SEOES :AS .the':condiition that alt work? alone m actor ante w this :applieation:aniifhefollovin ":conditions:. if >an': `'PROJECT IS NOT XEMP:T:aUNDER §26 -5... :DENIED Tlie> Commission wiIl:= fiold::a public liear n Iiards hip :on:5g3 /2{JP,(3 Specifically Historic:Commission :or: AutliorizedSubcommitte 1 edth' .(t he:Com' mission >viCl. cheek :one:ofnvo::bozes:below)::.: escription prow i Tina; e? pplicant3ll:`' ropriateness:;or:: Scanned_ Digitized Qt� Checked .,..,,..w........_ USE THIS FORM ONLY AFTER A PUBLIC HEARING APPLICANT• i di ADDRESS- 1 21Q UnJ\ PHONE: S• a441 6ritu. OWNER. lottk6 ADDRESS- 0 5 RE: Land or Buildings at: l-y_ Elm Street, Northampton, ASSESSORS' MAP #:31. PARCEL g10 The Historic District Commission has determined that (the Commission will check one of three. boxes): If checked and signed, THE PROJECT IS APPROPRIATE under the ordinance and MGL C. 40C. THIS SERVES AS A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS, with the condition that all work be done in accordance with the description provided by the applicant in his/her application to the Historic District Commission and the following conditions i any). R`RC P Q PRO 16(1 P PPJV aC -awl it 411 4 1% 1 1 41s .J Il`h 4 umurawitimusit If checked and signed, 111.E;RE IS A UNIQUE HARDSHIP under the ordinance and MGL. C. 40C. THIS SERVES AS A CERTIFICATE OF HARDSHIP, with the condition that all work be done in accordance with the description provided by the applicant in his/her application to the Historic District Commission and the following conditions (if any): PROJECT IS NOT APPROPRIATE NOR A HARDSHIP under the ordinance and M.G.L. C. 40C. THIS SERVES AS A DISAPPROVAL OF A CERTIFICATE OF HARDSHIP. If, within 34 days, the applicant does not modify to their project as detailed below, THIS SHALL ALSO SERVE AS DISAPPROVAL OF A CER'1MCATE OF APPROPRIATENESS. If, within 14 days, the applicant addresses the reasons for denial and modifies their project as detailed below, and files these modifications with the Commission, the Commission shall, within a reasonable time period, issue a Certificate of Appropriateness. A Certificate of Appropriateness, with appropriate dimensional, set -back and other requirements and conditions cannot be issued without these modifications because the project, as described, does not meet the criteria. These requirements are only for the purpose of preventing developments incongruous to the historic aspects or characteristics of the surroundings and of the historic district. The Commission should address how the project meets OR fails to meet to Appropriateness criteria: 1. The general design, arrangement, texture and material of the features involved and the appropriateness of the size and shape of the building or structure in the relationship to land area upon which the building is situated and to buildings and structures in the vicinity: including: maintain construction design, building alignment, setback, height, and articulation that are consistent or compatible with traditional patterns of surrou ding buildings and avoid mirrored or ighly reflective glas lx) dikvoAA (A oA 4 11: I i a�._ d ►•MA I k G.,: t .4 ■I 2. The relation of such features involved to similar features of buildings and structures in the surrounding area, including: preserve, to the extend practical and consistent with encouraging consistent setbacks and heights, I' h quality views of land ark building 3. The historic and architectural value and significance of the site, buildings or structure, including: avoid exterior or facade changes to buildings that would damage historic features or are not otherwise readily reversible except when such changes replicate historic features, restore previously damaged historical features, or are otherwise compatible with the detail and character of the district: i TI• IM A I v. 111117.0u't.L"NIMALMI<M If the Commission denies a Certificate of Appropriateness or if an applicant applies directly for Certificate of Hardship, the Commission should address how the project meets or fails to meet all the hardship criteria: 1. Conditions especially affecting the building or structures involved but not affecting the historic district generally: 2. Failure to approve the application will involve a substantial hardship, financial or otherwise: 3. Application may be approved without substantial detriment to the public welfare and without substantial derogation from the intent and purposes of the Ordinance: c District Commission: The Historic Commission vote was 5-0 Histo i i DATR• 3 c 31,000 a (C:I Ffilesl WPfileslELMIAPPROPRIATENESSAND HARDSHIP, elm street forma oved 3 /3/97) OWNER: ADDRESS: 1; 1; I 11 t I 1 L Wad 1 6 �M► USE THIS FORM ONLY AFTER A PUBLIC N APPLICANT: L L 4 .4 ADDRESS: t a" 1 a t�'iri^� 1 PHONE: ".G. RE: Land or Buildings at: 16(0 Elm Street, Northampton, ASSESSORS' MAP :3� PARCEL Rta The Historic District Commission has determined that (the Commission will check one of three,boxes): 3 If checked and signed, MU, PROJECT IS APPROPRIATE under the ordinance and MGL C...40C. THIS SERVES AS A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS, with the condition that all work be done in accordance with the description provided by the applicant in his/her application to the Historic'' District Commission and the following conditions if any): If checked and signed, THERE IS A I7NIQUE HARDSHIP under the ordinance and MGL. C. 40C. THIS SERVES AS A CER1IFICATE OF HARDSHIP, with the condition that all work be done in accordance with the description provided by the applicant in his/her application to the Historic District Commission and the following conditions (if any): PROJECT IS NOT APPROPRIATE NOR A HARDSHIP under the ordinance and M.G.L. C. 40C.. THIS SERVES AS A DISAPPROVAL OF A CER'1'11+'1CATE OF HARDSHIP. If, within allays, ays, the applicant does not modify to their project as detailed below, LUIS SHALL ALSO SERVE AS DISAPPROVAL OF A CER'1'h1CATE OF APPROPRIATENESS. If, within 14 day, the applicant addresses the reasons for denial and modifies their project as detailed below, and files these modifications with the Commission, the Corrimission shall, within a reasonable time period, issue a Certificate of Appropriateness. A Certificate of Appropriateness, with appropriate dimensional, set -back and other requirements and conditions cannot be issued without these modifications because the project, as described, does not meet the criteria. These requirements are only for the purpose of preventing developments incongruous to the historic aspects or characteristics of the surroundings and of the historic district. (C.:1 The Historic Commission vote was 5 4 J Histo c Distric Ffiles1 WPfiles \ELMAAPPROPRIATENESS AND HARDSHIP, elm street Ai 4 i/ ►1 I 1 '1A l l l c A FiritrelaIMTOMENRIZIMICIWZMMIIIMILIIIEWIINEK ‘4 1.• /rt4 /l'rm\1 IS r— a I, _:.E;. A is s 11111!t-�� '�-�ii lM3 The Commission should address how the project meets OR fails to meet to Appropriateness criteria: 1. The general design, arrangement, texture and material of the features involved and the appropriateness of. the size and shape of the building or structure in the relationship to land area upon which the building is situated and to buildings and structures in the vicinity: including: maintain construction design, building alignment, setback, height, and articulation that are consistent or compatible with traditional patterns of surrou ding buildings and avoid mirrored or ighly reflective glas 2. The relation of such features involved to similar features of buildings and structures in the surrounding area, including: preserve, to the extend practical and consistent with encouraging consistent setbacks heights, h quality views of land ark building. atWari 111li M 3. The historic and architectural value and significance of the site, buildings or structure, including: avoid exterior or facade changes to buildings that would damage historic features or are not otherwise readily reversible except when such changes replicate historic features, restore previously damaged,,; historical features, or are otherwise compatible with the detail and character of the district: If the Commission denies a Certificate of Appropriateness or if an applicant applies directly for Certificate of Hardship, the Commission should address how the project meets or fails to meet all the hardship criteria: 1. Conditions especially affecting the building or structures, involved but not affecting the historic district generally: Failure to approve the application will involve a substantial hardship, financial or otherwise: 3. Application may be approved without substantial detriment to the public welfare and without substantial derogation from the intent and purposes of the Ordinance: orm a.. roved 3/3/97) TENNEY HOUSE 156 ELM STREET The house at 156 Elm Street was built by James Ward who had opened and developed the Paradise Lots. For twenty years, 1896 -1916, it was the parsonage of St. John's Church. Acquired by Smith College in 1916, it served as a college house for another twenty years before it became Tenney House in 1937. The original Tenney House stood at 33 Elm Street, one of the town's early Clark family houses. It was there that the Tenney House "experiment" began. Mary Smith Tenney, a descendant of taGfe.ase Clark, returned to the family home after twenty -five years as head of a school in Ohio. Her concern for students continued, and she rented rooms to Smith students on the sec- ond floor of the big house, gradually developing cooperative housekeeping arrangements for her lodgers to help them save expenses. In 1895 Mrs. Tenney provided for the continuation of this very successful venture by bequeathing, with her brother Justin, the house, and land on Bedford Terrace, to Smith "to provide a home for students of Smith College which shall be called The Tenney House. It is my desire that thereby a limited number of meritorious students unable to meet the full ex- penses of a college education may obtain board at lower rates." Mrs. Tenney's cooperative housekeeping was continued by Smith in her old home from 1895 until 1937. In that year the Alumnae Association acquired the site for an Alumnae House. When the old house was razed, the cooperative project and the Tenney House name were re- assigned to 156 Elm Street. Tenney House in its two locations has won affection from its "meritorious" residents for nearly a century and popular acclaim from neighboring students and friends who have found it a place "like home." "We love the house and we do honor it," wrote a student. "Everyone's a good cook by the time she leaves," said another. Mrs. Tenney need not have feared that Tenney House would appear to be under privileged; her portrait, painted in 1895 by Mary Rogers Williams, looks contentedly upon a happy household. 96 t'l n