Historical Commission letterJanuary 20,2012
Thomas Hopkins
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth
Massachusetts Historical Commission
Massachusetts Architectural Access Board
I Ashburton Place. Rm l3l0
Boston. MA 02108
MAAB Variance Request, Dewey House Accessibility, Smith College, 4 Neilson Drive, Northampton, MA; MHC#
RC.51862
Dear Mr. Hopkins:
The Massachusetts Historical Commission is in receipt of information from Laura Fitch of Kraus-Fitch Architects regarding
the project mentioned above, received December 22,2011. The staff of the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) has
reviewed the information submitted and has the following comments.
The Dewey House is located within the Smith College Campus (NTH.C), an area that is included in MHC's Inventory of
Historic and Archaeological Assets of the Commonwealth and appears tb meet the criteria of eligibility for listing in the
National Resister of Historic Places.
The Dewey House was built in1827 in the Greek Revival style and converted to dormitory use for Smith College in 1875. The
building features the classic ionic columns and portico as well as immaculate interior features including moulding, trim,
floorplan and a grand curved staircase. Installation of an elevator would require numerous structural alterations, resulting in an
adverse effect to this historic property.
The interior of the Dewey House retains a significant amount of historic features. The "Meeting Room /Flex Space" proposed
by the project proponent would create accessible space on the second floor as an alternative compliance to removing
thresholds, and widening and lengthening all doorways. If granted, a MAAB variance would allow the project proponent to
provide alternative compliance without removal or significant alteration of these historic features or significant structural
changes due to the thickness of thresholds caused by uneven floor levels. If required, these alterations could adversely affect
this significant historic building and detract from its historic character and the character and setting ofthe surrounding National
Register-eligible district.
The MHC believes that the installation of an elevator, addition of a second handrail on the grand staircase and requirement to
widen and lengthen doorways and make significant structural changes due to the uneven floor levels would be detrimental to
the historic character of the building and the surrounding National Register-eligible district. The Dewey House has undergone
very little change in its history and appears to retain a significant amount of original material and historic features.
MHC understands that the Northampton Historical Commission also supports this project. The MHC respectfully requests that
the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board grant the variance request. Your consideration of this matter is greatly
appreciated. Please do not hesitate to contact Brandee Loughlin ofmy staffifyou have any questions.
Sincerelv.
-^ -\a)\\
lfu-/Ir-'- >(*tt>t-
Brona Simon
State Historic Preservation Offi cer
Executive Director
Massachusetts Historical Commission
xc: Laura Fitch, Kraus-Fitch Architects
Laura Rauscher, Disability Services Director/ADA Coordinator, Smith College
220 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, Massachusetts 02125
(617) 727-8470 . Fax: (617) 727-5128
www. sec. state. ma. us/mhc
RE: