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