email to CBAC. 7.27.21Dear CBAC member,
I know you have been told you cannot speak with us outside a public meeting so I do not expect a reply.
I am sending this informative email to you as well as Carolyn because she will not be back in town before
August 2nd to distribute it to you. I think the information contained within is essential for you to review
and digest before the August 3rd meeting on ODG’s new application for demolition of SJC.
First, my condolences to you in having to make this decision without the Historical Commission’s
designee. That omission seems particularly egregious given the historic nature of this unique, historic
building at issue.
Second, while I am aware that ODG has presented the committee with a 63-page report, what you may
not realize is that our group (Friends of SJC) has actively sought experts in the field to discuss the
possibility of repurposing this church, residentially or otherwise. Our architect member, Tris Metcalfe,
has created designs and cost analyses for different iterations of condos within the existing structure of
SJC. He believes and has shown that such residential repurposing is quite possible.
Another such expert is multiple award-winning Sebastian Mariscal, an architect/developer team officed
in Somerville, MA with a penchant for repurposing old buildings. See
http://www.sebastianmariscal.com/studio for a description of selected architectural awards received by
this group.
I discovered Sebastian Mariscal because my daughter moved into CALA, one of SM’s developments of a
decommissioned public school building in Somerville. My daughter knew that I was working on trying to
find a way to save SJC, so she connected me with this group who has repurposed numerous, old
buildings in this country as well as Mexico. http://www.sebastianmariscal.com
For a description of CALA (community, architecture, landscape, art) in Somerville, see
http://www.sebastianmariscal.com/cala. That development reaches 29 of the 39 goals set by
SomerVision, Somerville’s 20-year citywide plan for smart growth, open space development, public
transit expansion, and sustainability. See https://www.high-profile.com/school-re-designed-as-urban-
village. Northampton has similar goals, right? We want to become a bike and pedestrian friendly City, of
course, but that goal does not require the demolition of historic buildings in our midst that make our
City unique.
Somerville faced the similar situation as Northampton: “When a building becomes a candidate for
reuse, how is its viability determined? When that building is a shuttered, purpose-built K–8 school in the
form of a concrete bunker set within a residential neighborhood in West Somerville, Massachusetts, the
answer is complicated.” Yes, the project was complicated, but the result is fantastic. Northampton,
although a little City, has big goals, too. This architect/developer can help ODG repurpose SJC and
perhaps put our City on the map for an amazing project – instead of a few more ordinary, luxury condos
next door to the 23 others at Hawley Manor. Is this an interesting prospect for you? I hope so.
After learning of the proposed demolition of this Romanesque treasure, at SM’s request I introduced
Sebastian and the Design Studio Manager, Nina Gonzalez, with Matt Welter, Project Manager for the
proposed demolition of SJC church. Nina and Sebastian talked with Matt at length, reviewed his cost
analyses, and reported as follows:
Nina Gonzalez nina@sebastianmariscal.com
To: Deborah Henson Mon 7/12/2021 9:49
AM
Hi Deb,
I just need to write up our proposal and we will discuss with Matt once more.
I seem somewhat optimistic because it really seems like they are at a loss on what to do
and have asked us a lot of questions & some guidance considering how we proceeded
with the two repurposing projects we did - CALA & 76 School Street - especially
considering that both were abandoned in longer durations than that of the St. John
Cantius Church. CALA abandoned for 15 years and 76 School Street (an MTA power
station we repurposed to be commercial-residential mixed use building) for 80 years.
We looked into the documentation they provided arguing that the church was
structurally obsolete, but we didn't agree and explained why and how we thought the
project could work out for everyone. It will be difficult to navigate through but we're
suggesting at the very least doing a feasibility study + quick diagrammatic sketch for
them for now. (emphasis by Deb)
Nina Gonzalez
Design & Studio Manager
1060 Broadway C101A
Somerville, MA 02144
917.497.6564 mobile
www.sebastianmariscal.com
I am hopeful that Sebastian and his team will be appearing before you at the August 3rd meeting so you
can question them as to why they don’t agree with ODG’s position on SJC’s obsolescence and what
might be done reasonably with this building to keep the building in place and repurpose it with a viable
use. This is exactly what SM is known for around the world and we are lucky to have them turn their
eyes toward our City and SJC’s repurposing particularly.
Sebastian Mariscal’s offer to assist ODG with a new feasibility study is especially notable. You have the
ability to require an updated study with the expertise of historic preservationists who have developed in
this manner on board.
Additionally, you could delay your decision until you all have conducted a Site Visit of this incredibly
gorgeous building. To reassure you of your authority in this regard, I have checked with the Carolyn and
she agrees that you have the right within your jurisdiction to schedule a Site Visit as well as the right to
require an updated feasibility assessment.
I write for all of us with Friends of SJC to request that you use whatever power you possess to ensure
that every alternative avenue is explored before allowing this historic monument to be destroyed.
Surely Northampton does not want to become a “condo city” in lieu of the artistic, eclectic, historically-
rich City that the Ordinance and Design Guidelines mandate:
156-1. Purpose
The purpose of this chapter Is to preserve and enhance the pedestrian-scale character,
culture, economy and welfare of downtown Northampton by preserving historic and
architecturally valuable buildings and features, . . . (emphasis by Deb)
Design Guidelines Manual
I. INTRODUCTION
Purposes . . .
It is the primary intention of this manual to help protect and reinforce the architectural
heritage, inviting character, and economic viability of the downtown. (emphasis by
Deb)
I hope the above information shows you that repurposing an historic building like SJC is definitely
possible, contrary to ODG’s assertions. It just takes a group with the historic preservation expertise to
guide ODG in the repurposing direction. ODG will make money on the building if repurposed. Perhaps
not as much as if they are allowed to demolish and rebuild ordinary condos in its place, but is that
outcome really the type of City we want Northampton to become? Our group does not want more
standard-issue luxury condos in place of this beautiful building gracing Hawley Street, and the 1300+
signatories of our change.org petition agree that SJC should remain standing and a repurposing
alternative should be found.
Thank you for reading this long email.
Deb Henson, Chair
Friends of St. John Cantius