1993 Historical Commission minutesr
City of Northampton, Massachusetts
Office of Planning and Development
City Hall • 210 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060 • (413) 586 -6950
FAX (413) 586 -3726
• Community and Economic Development
• Conservation • Historic Preservation
• Planning Board • Zoning Board of Appeals
• Northampton Parking Commission
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE
Date: Monday, February 1, 1993
Time: 4:15 P.M.
Place: City Council Chambers, Wallace J. Puchalski Building, 212
Main Street, Northampton, Massachusetts
AGENDA
1. Review December Meeting Minutes
2. Preservation Awards
3• Any Other Business
q�a,A'L= pwju.A-
Mary Pa er
J
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
February 1 1993
Present: Bloomberg, Cadet, Heston, Kiteley, Lockwood, Metcalfe,
Parker, Weiss
Absent: Feeley (adjunct), Fitzgerald, Murdock
AGENDA
The meeting began at 4:20 pm.
1. Minutes: The 1 February were approved with one correction:
Revision of Para. 2. a. Meeting 11/19/92 - City Officials and
Representatives of the Massachusetts Historical Commission
Parker reported that the purpose of the meeting to ease the
fears of the City regarding the plans of the Commonwealth to
place NSH on the National Register. The entire complex will
probably be included, not just a few buildings as the City
would prefer. It is within the power of the State to
accomplish this with or without local consent. However; MHC
will be required to review any plans for development within
the complex in a timely fashion (within 90 days). Parker
noted that had Northampton approved a local historic district,
it could have become a Certified Local Government entitled to
review proposals for development locally, instead of
submitting to MHC oversight.
2. Chair Report:
a. New Member: Ellen Weiss is now officially an associate
member of the Historical Commission. The Mayor approved
her nomination.
b. South Street Markers: Four residents responded and gave
permission - for the City to supply Markers with the date
of the house's origin.
C. Preservation /Restoration Awards Nominations so far are:
Corner of Forbes and Jewett
Gothic Street New Complex
Beyond Words Bookshop on Main Street
Clarke School - Numbers House (tan) , Pratt Cottage
(Blue with red shutters) , and Yale House (yellow
white)
Graves and Market - Painting and exterior carpentry
of a row house (gray and white)
two statues in front of Memorial Hall
1
� City of Northampton, Massachusetts
Office of Planning and Development
City Hall • 210 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060 • (413) 586 -6950
FAX (413) 586 -3726
• Community and Economic Development
• Conservation • Historic Preservation
• Planning Board • Zoning Board of Appeals
• Northampton Parking Commission
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE
AGENDA
Date: Monday, March 1, 1993
Time: 4:15 P.M.
Place: City Council Chambers
Wallace J. Puchalski Building
212 Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts
AGENDA
1. Review January Meeting Minutes
2. State Hospital Update - Wayne Feiden
3. Review of Presentation award nominations and discussion of
Awards Ceremony. (Members are expected to go and see the
properties nominated at the previous meeting. See the
enclosed minutes. In addition nominations have been made for
No. 72 Columbus Avenue and the Lathrop Community's Adaptive
Re -Use of the farmhouse on Bridge Road which is right at the
entrance to the Community.)
4. New Inventory Forms to review
5. Other Business
Mary Park
J
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
i
MINUTES OF MEETING
March 1, 1993
Present: Bloomberg, Cadet, Heston, Kiteley, Lockwood, Murdock,
Parker, Weiss
Absent: Feeley (adjunct), Fitzgerald, Lincoln (adjunct), Metcalfe
AGENDA
1. Minutes: The 1 February Minutes (prepared by J.V. Kiteley)
were approved as presented.
2. State Hospital Update -- Wayne Feiden.
Using a color coded map, Feiden explained current rezoning
plans for NSH land and the classification of its buildings:
RED = historic buildings erected 1855 -58; PURPLE = 1918;
GREEN = 1919 -1950. The Commonwealth will dispose of some NHS
properties "sometime" he said. Then, local zoning ordinances
will regulate how the city decided to develop the land and
some of its remaining buildings. The main focus will be on the
historic area (RED) where reuse projects would be permitted at
dense levels.
Presently, OPD is trying to create incentives that would
encourage rehabilitation of some of the suitable buildings.
Other structures probably must be razed because they have
degenerated over time and restoration costs are prohibitive.
Kiteley, Lockwood, and Parker, who recall how imposing some of
these buildings used to be, decried this sad state of affairs.
Meanwhile, said Feiden, the Commonwealth is studying all of
the NSH campus buildings to assess their eligibility for
inclusion in NRHS. In fact, the staff level of the
Massachusetts Historical Commission may visit Northampton on
27 April 1993 to study NSH campus site -- and to educate the
public. OPD is concerned because inclusion of the entire
complex in NRHS would discourage local rehabilitation and
reuse of the better buildings. Moreover, the derelict
buildings with little or no historic merit would be included
in NRHS as well. Feiden hopes that the NHC will, at some
point, take a stand on supporting local reuse objectives and
make recommendations about which buildings should be listed in
NRHS as well. NHC members endorsed his view. Parker is eager
to have the historic main complex saved; Bloomberg remarked
that the Kirkbridge architecture should also be preserved.
William Savard, a representative from Coalition for the
Disabled Person, then asked if some of the buildings could be
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designated for disabled citizens, battered women, a detox
enter et. als. Feiden replied that as long as the
Commonwealth owns the land, local officials cannot make such
decisions. In response, Savard suggested drafting a proposal
for the State Legislature requesting that some of the
buildings be designated for groups who require social
services.
3.
Finally, a representative from Northampton Community Gardens
(Kathy Stourias ?) distributed "Historical Outline for Use of
the Garden Committee" (Rev. 1991). Because NCG plots are
located on NSH property, gardeners there are concerned about
the gardens' future.
Review of Presentation award nominations and discussion of
Awards Ceremony.
Nomination to date: PLEASE VISIT ALL OF THESE SITES
Corner of Forbes and Jewett (approved)
Gothic Street New Complex (deferred)
Beyond Words Bookshop on Main St.(approved)
Clarke School*
(deferred for now)r
Graves and Market House
(postponed)
Memorial Hall -- two statues
(approved)
Farmhouse on Bridge Road
( "inappropriate ")
81 High Street
(Parker: "nice ").
205 Prospect
(Parker: "no ")
35 -37 Stilson Ave. Florence
( ?)
40 Columbus Ave.
(Parker: "nice ")
72 Columbus Ave.
( ?)
76 Columbus Ave.
(Parker: "nice ")
* Cadet will arrange an appt for Parker to visit
the site)
4.
5.
New Inventory Forms to Review:
Parker distributed the forms. Weiss listed the numbers and
respective recipients.
Other Business
a. Feiden remarked that the issue of establishing Local
Historic Districts in Northampton probably should be
resurrected because LHD regulations are the one way to
save local historic buildings. The NRHS grants to save
local historic buildings. The NRHS grants permits only.
It does not protect historic buildings.
Previous recent attempts to establish four LHD's in
Baystate, Downtown, Florence and Leeds engendered so much
i
�_i' 2
controversy that the City Council tabled the project in
1991. Nevertheless, Lockwood favors trying to establish
one district again. If the issues involved could be
presented more objectively, she hopes that people's
opposition to LHD's might abate. LHD guidelines, after
all, can help to prevent inappropriate renovations of
properties that can alter the appearance and character of
streets and areas. Kari Knapp and Diane Welter described
an Elm Street project as a case in point.
Parker recommends reinstatement of the Historic District
Study Committee. Lockwood volunteered to attend the City
Council meeting on Thursday 4 March. Her mission is to
inform the City Council that NHC members wish to have a
new HDSC formed.
b. Bloomberg displayed three samples for new historic
markers that Cadet made. NHC members selected #3:
qM Bloomberg's text drafts will be mailed to
members. Please make changes as desired.
C. Kiteley may have found a new "house dater" at JFK.
The next meeting of Northampton Historical Commission is on Monday,
5 April 1993 at 4:15 p.m. in City Council Chambers.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary li eth Murdock
Secretary
i
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City of Northampton, Massachusetts
Office of Planning and Development
City Hall • 210 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060 • (413) 586 -6950
FAX (413) 586 -3726
• Community and Economic Development
• Conservation • Historic Preservation
• Planning Board,- Zoning Board of Appeals
• Northampton Parking Commission
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE
AGENDA
Date: Monday, April 5, 1993
Time: 4:15 P.M.
Place: City Council Chambers
Wallace J. Puchalski Building
212 Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts
AGENDA
1. Review March Meeting Minutes
2. Announcements
3. Status Report - Proposed Elm Street District
4. Historic District Signs
5. Awards Ceremony:_
a.) Nominations
b.) Discussion
C.) Vote
d.) Arrangements for the Ceremony
6. Other Business
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NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
i ,
CITY HALL
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
April 5 1993
The Northampton Historical Commission met last on April 5,
1993. Only three members, Parker, Metcalfe and Lockwood were
present so no actual business was acted upon.
Susan Well, Mayor rIs Business Advisory Committee of Northampton
State Hospital, was present as a guest which led to a general
discussion regarding the future of the Northampton State Hospital
building complex.
Mary Parker, Chairman of the Northampton Historical Commission
reported on the neighborhood meeting of Elm Street citizens
concerned about the recent obtrusive and /or unfortunate alterations
to the house at 211 Elm Street. The group is considering the
possibility of having another historic district study committee
appointed for their neighborhood.
Also discussed were the identifying signs that the Northampton
Historical Commission plans to see replaced and /or installed on
major downtown structures.
Before adjournment, those present were urged to attend the
public meeting on the Northampton State Hospital to be held at the
Little Theater on April 27th.
The next meeting of Northampton Historical Commission is on
Monday, 3 May 1993 at 4:15 p.m. in City Council Chambers.
Respectfully Submitted,
Allison Lockwood
for Mary Elizabeth Murdock, Secretary
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CITY HALL
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE
AGENDA
Date: Monday, May 3, 1993
Time: 4:15 P.M.
Place: City Council Chambers
Wallace J. Puchalski Building
212 Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts
AGENDA
1. Review April Meeting Minutes
2. Award Ceremony
3. Historic District Signs
4. Building Inventory Update
5. Nominating Committee
6. Other Business
i
Mary Pa er
�J�
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
May 3, 1993
Present: Bloomberg, Cadet, Fitzgerald, Metcalfe, Murdock, Parker
Absent: Feeley (adjunct), Heston, Kiteley, Lincoln (adjunct),
Lockwood, Weiss
AGENDA
1. Minutes: The 5 April Minutes (prepared by Allison Lockwood)
were approved as presented.
2. Awards Ceremony:
Clarke School's Bancroft Room in Rogers Hall (49 Round Hill
Road) is the site of the Awards Ceremony. Starting time is
4:00 p.m. on Wednesday 12 May. In Mayor Mary Ford's absence,
Councilor William Ames will read Mayor Ford's Proclamation.
Parker reported that Katherine Schneider lettered the Awards
Certificates.
Cadet stated that "everything is all set" at Clarke School for
the Awards Ceremony.
/? 3. Historic District Signs:
Bloomberg discussed details regarding the new Historic
District signs e.g. finished size (117/8" x 157/8 methods
of printing, preserving and installing them. Cadet will make,
prime and install the signs. Metcalfe suggested a protective
polyurethane finish to preserve them. He also recommended
that Bloomberg confer with sign makers. Amherst Copy Center,
Graphic Information Systems and Leeds Stamps (in Florence) are
possibilities.
Bloomberg will circulate sign texts one more time. NHC
members should make final suggestions /corrections if
necessary.
Murdock proposed updating NHC Is descriptive flyer once the new
signs are in place. Perhaps some grant money could be found
to subsidize such a project.
4. Building Inventory Update:
Parker announced that Weiss cannot continue her work on this
project for some months because of family complications.
Parker later agreed to assume this responsibility once she
leaves her post as chairperson of NHC.
1
5. Nominating Committee:
Cadet, Metcalfe and Murdock agreed to search for a new
chairperson. Their unanimous choice is Allison Lockwood. A
day later, she accepted the post. Murdock agreed to assist
her.
6. Other Business:
John Morrison, Chairperson of the City Property Committee,
discussed the new turret project for City Hall. He asked if
NHC members would be interested in sponsoring a fund raising
campaign to pay for the needed materials. Labor cost are
already funded. Parker will announce the proposal at the
Awards Ceremony. All donations would be deposited in the
City's General Fund - - earmarked, however, for the turrets.
Parker
gave the order of Awards Ceremony presentations:
1.
Northampton Remembers -- (statues of Civil War
soldiers)
2.
Forbes Library (restoration of Anna Gertrude
Brewster Children's Room)
3.
Clarke School Properties
83 Bancroft (Numbers House)
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several buildings on Round Hill Road
4.
Weinberg -Fago House 81 High Street Florence
5.
Joelson -Levin House 40 Columbus Avenue
6.
Klepacki - Melone House 19 Forbes Avenue
7.
Beyond Words Bookshop 189 Main Street
Jeffrey and Diana Krauth, owner
Murdock will confer with Lockwood and Northampton City Editor,
Stanley Moulton, about publishing an article in the Daily
Hampshire Gazette about the Awards Ceremony.
On 7 June, members will decide the status of July and August
meetings.
The next meeting of Northampton Historical Commission is on
Monday, 7 June 1993 at 4:15 p.m. in City Council Chambers.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary/Elizab&th Murdock
Secretary
(7)
2
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CITY HALL
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION.
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
,
I
I
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE
AGENDA
Date: Monday, June 7, 1993
Time: 4:15 P.M.
Place: City Council Chambers
Wallace J. Puchalski Building
212 Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts
AGENDA
1. Review and approval of May 3rd Minutes and discuss the status
of July and August Meetings
2. Review of signs for the Downtown District
3. Postpartum of Awards Ceremony
4. Report of Nominating Committee and Election of Officers
5. Other Business
Mary P rker
fig
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL' COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
June 7, 1993
Present: Bloomberg, Cadet, Fitzgerald, Heston, Metcalfe, Kiteley,
Parker, Weiss
Absent: Murdock, Feeley (adjunct), Lincoln (adjunct)
AGENDA
1• Minutes: The 3rd of May Minutes r
Murdock) were approved (P spared by Mary- Elizabeth
missed any corrections made) (Kiteley had just arrived, may have
2. Awards Ceremony: Successful event
applauded. Paucity of Publicity � Presenters to be
we will take nothing for granted, problem perhaps! Next year
3. Historic District Signs: Any final changes will be cleared
with Bloomberg. Concise description will be included on each
sign.
4• Official: New Chair - Allison Lockwood, elected unanimously!
Secretary - Mary - Elizabeth Murdock.
Many thanks to out -going Chair, Mary Parker!
5. a• Rodney Kunath, alum. of Clarke School su
.member. He has expressed interest. ggested as
b• Discussion of fundraising as responsibility of Historical
Commission. Tris will take our recommendation to
Property Commission following this meeting. Time is of
the essence.
6. Next meeting: July 12th. At that meeting the Histo
Commission will decide if an August meeting is necessary.
Faithfully submitted,
Je T V. Kiteley
CITY HALL
NORTHAMPTON 'HISTORICAL COMMISSION
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE
AGENDA
Date: Monday, July 12, 1993
Time: 4:15 P.M.
Place: Council on Aging
Memorial Hall
AGENDA
1. City Hall Turrets
2. Historic Building Signs
3. Elm Street Historic District Study Proposal
4. Building Inventory
5. Future priorities
6. Other business
lC�1 %1 1�jir M-Iw
Allison ...
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
July 12, 1993
Present: Lockwood, Bloomberg, Cadet, Fitzgerald, Heston, Metcalfe,
Parker, Weiss, Kunath, Mary McDermott, Marlene Moran
Absent: Kiteley, Murdock, Feeley (adjunct), Lincoln (adjunct)
AGENDA
Minutes of June 7 approved
1. N.H.C. is committed to raising $2,000 to complete the City
Hall turrets. We now have $482.18; $282.18 from our budget.
Judith Fine will put a notice in the August D.B.A. newsletter.
What will happen with any excess donations - we cannot hold
money, only the City can? Marlene Moran agreed to send a memo
to the City Property Dept. asking them to pledge to spend any
surplus on preservation of the exterior of City Hall.
Chairperson Lockwood's newspaper ad for the Turret Fund was
approved (the cost of the ad will be donated).
2. Tris Metcalfe described his design for a new main entrance and
elevator to provide handicap access to City Hall. The design
was enthusiastically endorsed.
3. It was decided to add new information to the Historic
Buildings signs. The following are to try to find architects
and dates: Kunath - Firehouse
Metcalfe - Masonic Block
Cadet - Rahars
Heston - Roundhouse, Sylvester Graham
Fitzgerald - Unitarian Church
4. It was suggested that signs be made for other Historic
Buildings - Rogers Hall (Thomas Shepherd, 1806), Dudley Hall
(Levi Shepherd, 1807), St. Mary's Church, Baptist Church,
First Church, buildings in Florence, etc. Discussion and
action on this matter was postponed.
5. Should we continue the Building Inventory? - decision
postponed.
6. Mary Parker suggested encouraging a Demolition Delay
Ordinance.
7. It was unanimously approved that Tris Metcalfe be recommended
to the City Council as a voting member of the N.H.C.
8. Allison Lockwood will ask Penny Kim about possible plans for
new street lights.
9. Many thanks to Mary Parker for her excellent leadership; many
good wishes to Allison Lockwood as the new chairperson.
Respectfully submitted
rank Heston
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t��:n4; t'?..a to pledge to spend any surplus
on - nreserv�.ti on of the e-_terior of City Iciall e Chairperson Lock,•TOOd's
nei�spaDar ad for the Turret Fund f approved (the, cost of- the ad
will be d onat ed).
2. Tris ;.lstcs.lfo described his design for a neT'T main entrance 'and
elevator to provide handicap access to City Ba ll. The design was
enthousiastically endorsed.
3. It w-:s decided to add now information to the Historic :wilding signs.
The folloti:ring are to try to find architects and dates t
Kunath - Firehouse
MTetcalfe - 1-asonic Block
Cadet _ Rahars
Heston - Roundhouse, Sylvester Graham.
Fi.tzgerald - Unitarian Church.
4. It ti -as su ggested that signs be made for other Historic Buildings -
Rogers Hall (Thomas Shepherd, 1806), Dudley :-gall (Levi Shepherd,
1807) , St. iary's Church, Bapti st Church, Furst Ohurch, buildings
in Florence, etc. Discussion and action an this matt or ?
5. Should we continue the Building Inventory? - decision postponed.
6. Lary Parker suggested encouraging c). Demolition Delay Ordinance.
7. It was 'unanimously approved that Tris lkletcalfe be recommeded to the
City Council as a voting member of the X.H.C.
8. ::Aison Lockwood will ask Penny Kin about possible plans for new
street lights
9. I thanks to Hary 'Parker for her -- Zeellent leadership; many good
wishes to _�_Aison Lockwood as the new chairperson.
"ran' 17-1eston
CITY HALL
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE
AGENDA
Date: Monday, August 2, 1993
Time: 4:15 P.M.
Place: Council on Aging PLEASE
Memorial Hall NOTE!
AGENDA
1. City Hall Turrets Restoration Progress. Report
2. Historic Building Signs
3. Demolition Delay Ordinance
4. Building Inventory Project
5. Other business
AW r , ► t I _'iii ■
Lockwood Allison
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES
AUGUST 2, 1993 - 4:15 p.m.
Attending: Allison Lockwood, Chair, Louise Bloomberg, Sally
Evans, Harold Fitzgerald, Jean Kiteley, Rodney Kunath, Mary
Parker, Ellen Weiss, and Jackie Gauger, guest.
Absent: Gary Cadet, Frank Heston, Tristam Metcalf, Mary -
Elizabeth Murdock.
1. Minutes of the Meeting of 7/12/93. Corrections: In
paragraph 1, in addition to the DBA, add Chamber of
Commerce. In the listing of members working on
information about specific buildings, R. Kunath will work
on the Draper Hotel in addition to the Firehouse.
2. City Hall Turret Restoration. A.'Lockwood distributed a
memo of understanding concerning donations for the
restoration which was sent to the Office of Planning and
Development 7/22/93. (Copy attached)
M. Parker suggested, and the members agreed, that "any
surplus is to be used by the Historical Commission for the
preservation of historic buildings." A, Lockwood will
seek the opinion of the City Solicitor on this addition.
R. Kunath suggested that such money might be used for
preventative maintenance.
An advertisement asking for donations ran in the Daily
Hampshire Gazette 7/24 and 7/27 and in the Springfield
Union News the week before. As of today the fund contains
$947.43.
A copy of - the advertisement coupon was sent to the DBA.
It will be enclosed with their August newsletter which is
scheduled to the mailed this week. Furthermore, a friend
of the Chamber of Commerce has offered to match dollar for
dollar every donation received from C of C members until
the goal is reached.
A. Lockwood, after researching all past articles
concerning City Hall which have appeared in the Daily
Hampshire Gazette since the building was created, has
written an article which the Gazette will run, accompanied
by early illustration of the building.
3. Handicapped Access. The Planning Board has asked A,
Lockwood to sign a letter to the Massachusetts Historical
Commission agreeing to the project to provide handicapped
access to City Hall., (Copy attached)
4. Historical Articles. The Daily Hampshire Gazette has
agreed to run a monthly historical article which A.
Lockwood will write.
5. Historical Commission Membership. There should be seven
voting members. A. Lockwood proposed, and M. Parker
seconded, the elevation of Harold Fitzgerald to become a
voting member. The names of T, Metcalf and H. Fitzgerald
will go to the Mayor's Office to initiate the confirmation
process.
6. Historic Building Signs. As the result of work by several
members of the Commission the following additional
information is now available: Union Station - The
engineer was Charles Allen. (Architect not discovered)
Unitarian Church - Architect was Guy Kirkham.
7. Street Lamps on Main Street. H. Fitzgerald has expressed
a particular interest in this project and wants to study
the possibility of repair and rehabilitation of the
existing lamps.
8. Elm Street Historic District. Status? Awaiting
announcement by the Mayor of the members of the study
committee. M. Parker proposed, and Commission members
approved, the sending of a questionnaire about historic
preservation to all candidates for City Council in the
forthcoming election. When the results of this survey
have been received, A, Lockwood will relay the information
to the Gazette
9. Demolition Delay Ordinance. M. Parker distributed copies
of a guide for the establishment of such an ordinance
which was published by the Massachusetts Historical
Commission. The subject will be discussed at a later
meeting.
10. Building Inventory Project. Should the work of updating
information on previously inventoried buildings and /or
compiling data on uninventoried ones continue at this
time? Who is going to have time to do this work? Might
senior citizens or high school students help? It is not
clear that the return received by the use of such outside
individuals justifies the amount of training that would
be involved. Furthermore, assistance from students also
requires involvement of teachers, and latter are now
overworked.
11. House Dating. Jean Kiteley is still awaiting a response
from the schools from which she hoped to receive
assistance.
12. Next meeting. Scheduled for Monday, September 13 at
4:15 p.m. in the Council on Aging room in Memorial Hall.
The meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m.
Respective y submitted,
a ly an
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
CITY HALL
MEMO OF UNDERSTANDING
TO: The Office of Planning and Development
FROM: The Northampton Historical Commission
RE: City Hall Turret Restoration
DATE: July 22, 1993
Donations for the restoration of the Northampton City Hall
Turrets will be mailed to the Office of Planning and Development.
The checks will be made payable to the City of Northampton/
Turrets. It is the Northampton Historical Commission's
understanding that such donations will be placed in the Turret
Account, #02- 192 - 3205 -18, created specifically for the City Hall
Turret Restoration under the direction of the City Property
Committee. Please contact Allison Lockwood at 586 -7092 if you
U have any questions.
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
CITY HALL
July 27, 1993
Judith B. McDonough
Executive Director
State Historic Preservation Officer
Massachusetts Historical Commission
80 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116
Re: City Hall, Northampton
Dear Ms. McDonough:
At its regularly scheduled meeting of July 12, 1993, the
Northampton Historical Commission reviewed the plans prepared by
Metcalfe Associates, Inc. to provide handicap access to City
Hall.
The design was enthusiastically endorsed by the Commission.
Not only will it improve access to the building, but it will
establish an entrance from Crafts Avenue in such a way as to
compliment the architecture of the building.
Sincerely,
Allison Lockwood
Chairman
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CITY HALL
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Date: Monday, September 13, 1993
Time: 4:15 p.m.
Place: City Council Chambers
Wallace J. Puchalski Municipal Office Building
212 Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts
AGENDA
1. Turret Restoration Project
2. Building plaques
3. Historic District Study Committee Report Elm Street proposal
4. Meeting time alternatives
5. Any Other Business
Allison Lockwood
a
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES
September 13, 1993
Present: Cadet, Evans, Heston, Kiteley, Kunath, Lockwood, Murdock,
Parker Guests: Gauger, Moran
Absent: Bloomberg, Feeley(Honorary Member), Fitzgerald, Lincoln(Hono-
rary Member), Metcalfe, Weiss
AGENDA
1. Minutes of 2 August meeting: Lack of a. quorum postponed
action on 2 August Minutes until 4 October 1993•
2. Turret Restoration Project:
Lockwood described recent productive efforts to publicize
the turret project. For example, her 11 August article
in Daill Hampshire Gazette entitled "Northampton's City
Hall Endures Despite Both Accident and Design" provides
valuable historical information about the building and its
advocates over the years. As of 10 September 1993, donations
to the Turret Fund total X2,127 so the project will be
completed.
A Memo of Understanding dated 22 July 1993 states that
all donations for the turret restoration pro ect will be
placed in the Turret Account # 02.192- 3205 -1 .
Finally builder Alex Ghiselin, will use wood "that won't
rot" to create the new turrets.
3. Building Plaques:
The 4 October meeting will focus on the plaque project.
Three important issues are (a) establishing specific criteria
for identifying and selecting appropriate sites (b) content
of plaque texts (c) Fort Hill House Dating project. Lockwood
will notify Bloomberg (plaque project head).
19th century records reveal the architects of these Northampton
structures: (taken from Lockwood's last)
Allen, Charles (engineer)
Union Station
Brocklesby, William
Academy of Music
Forbes Library
Graham
Kilbourn, Henry F.
Court House
Kirkham, Guy
Unitarian (Church) Society
McLoughlan, James
Memorial Hall
Peabody and Stearns
First Churches
2 of 2
Pratt, W.F.
City Hall
New Fire House 1869
Engine House 1872
People's Institute
Round House ?
Smith Charities
Pratt-and Gardner
Rahars ?
Putnam and B ailey
Masonic Block
Stephens, H.L. and Company
Hotel Northampton
NCS funds will pay for the plaques
4. Historic District Study Committee Report; Elm Street Proposal:
A group of Elm Street residents have asked HDSC to study the
possibility of designating Elm Street as an Historic District.
At an HDSC meeting, Wayne Feiden explained how "all" works --
and how to proceed. HDSC meets again on 22 September.
Richard Gnatek has been added to the committee, but Evans
questioned how this happened without City Council approval.
Some Ward 2 views on an Elm Street Historic District:
Abbott, Beth Supports it
Gnatek, R. Cautious. Will talk with neighbors
Scagel, R. Supports -- but will also talk with neighbors
Smith College Favors an Elm Street Historic District
Kiteley suggested talking with Professor Helen Searing
because of her strong interest in preservinS
5. Meeting time alternatives:
After some discussion, NHC members decided to keep the present
time: FIRST MONDAY of each month at 4:15 p.m.- NEW MEETING
PLACE Council on Aging building. Murdock will reserve this
space through 1994 (if possible).
6. Other business:
NHC members decided to cancel a $75.00 annual membership in
National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Massachusetts Historical Commission understands that plans
for the new Florence Savings Bank downtown branch foorner of
Main and Pleasant Streets) will retain the present exterior.
The next meeting will be held on Monday 4 October at 4:15p.m.
in the Council on Aging building.
Respectfully submit ed
Rec ding 'ecretary
CITY HALL
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE
AGENDA
DATE: Monday, November 1, 1993
TIME: 4:15 p.m.
PLACE: Council on Acting, Memorial Hall
1. Turret report
2. Historic building plaques
3. Demolition delay ordinance
4. Meeting time and membership participation
5. Other business
PLEASE NOTE LOCATION OF OUR MEETING - -- SEE ABOVE.
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES
November 1, 1993
�l ♦Y t b
Present: Bloomberg, Fitzgerald, Heston, Kunath, Lockwood,
Metcalfe, Murdock, Parker
Absent: Cadette, Feeley (Honorary Member) , Kiteley, Lincoln
(Honorary Member)
Introductory Comments: .(Lockwood)
Lockwood explained why there was no October meeting. Lockwood
fears that the Old Fire House may be razed. Her research and
subsequent DHG article dated 10 -16 -93 entitled "Fire Station
Declared Inadequate -- in 1892 traces the history of the
building and describes its significance.
AGENDA
1. Minutes of the 13 September meeting were approved with the
following amendment and corrections:
a. Ref. p.2 no. 4: Richard Gnatek was not and is not a
member of the Historic District Study Committee
1 although some NHC members thought that he was.
b. Ref. p.1 no. 2: Metcalfe said that all woods rot. It
is the details that are planned for the new turrets, L
however, that will protect the riew turret wood from
rotting. j
C. Ref. p.2 no. 3 (cont.) Corrections to Lockwood's
preliminary list of architects and buildings:
(1) Delete Pratt and Round House
(2) Tilton, Edward L. (not Pratt) was People's
Institute architect.
2. Turret Report
Lockwood reported that checks are still arriving for the
Turret Account. Total to date: $2,977.18.
Metcalfe will design the turrets and Alex Ghiselin will
construct them.
Richard Garvey and Ghiselin want to "move ahead on the crane
project" that will hoist the new turrets into place.
Lockwood and Metcalfe commented on forthcoming and /or other
\1 possible improvements well. The bid for City Hall's new
entrance and interior access improvements, for example, has
been accepted. They also wish to have sufficient funds to
consider changing the city's flag -- perhaps with City Hall
�) as the logo because "people recognize it." Perhaps some
-- work could be done on other city emblems as well.
Target date for completion of turret project: 1 May 1994.
3. Historic Building Plaques
Funds are available to pay for the new plaques and Cadette
is eager to "get going" on them. Bloomberg distributed a 3
page print -out of proposed texts and design for this
important "work in process." Bloomberg and Cadette are the
two people most involved with the project to date. Now,
they and three additional NHC members (Evans, Fitzgerald and
Metcalfe) comprise the subcommittee proposed by Parker.
This committee will establish specific criteria for each
proposed site and work to bring the plaque project to a
successful conclusion.
Bloomberg's current plaque texts are on a Macintosh disc so
corrections or additions can easily be made.
Evans asked what steps would lead to completion of the
plaque project. Bloomberg described them:
1. proofread, edit, etc. present texts to product a final
version and agree on plaque design.
2. print final results in full size.
3. give full size copy to Cadette who will make templates,
etc.
4. develop an appropriate adhesive for installation.
Lockwood asked the plaque subcommittee to present a progress
report at the 6 December meeting.
4.. Demolition Delay Ordinance (discussion deferred)
5. Meeting time and membership participation
Once again, NHC members, confirmed 1993 -94 meeting time as
the first Monday of each month, at 4:15 p.m. in the Council
on Aging building. Holidays, however, may mandate changes.
The Recording Secretary will reserve monthly meeting dates,
time and place for the entire year -- if possible.
6. Other Business
Members suggested possible candidates to replace Weiss, E.,
who is in the process of resigning from NHC.
Members also discussed moving an Associate Member to voting
status. Kunath, a possible candidate, wished to postpone a
decision on this matter.
I
I
Lockwood reminded members to keep thinking about
possibilities for May 1994 awards.
The next NHC meeting will be held on Monday, 6 December at 4:15
p.m. in the Council on Aging building.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary- Elizabeth Murdock
Recording Secretary
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
.. CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
CITY HALL
Official Meeting Notice
Northampton Historical Commission
DATE: Monday, December 6, 1993
TIME: 4:15 p.m.
PLACE: Council on Aging Meeting Room
Memorial Hall, Northampton, MA
Actenda
1. Turret Report
2. Awards List
3. Plaque Committee report & discussion
PLEASE NOTE LOCATION OF MEETING: SEE ABOVE
f
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES
DECEMBER 6, 1993
Present: Cadette, Evans, Fitzgerald, Heston, Kunath, Lockwood,
Metcalfe, Murdock, Parker
Guest: Gauger
Absent: Bloomberg, Feeley (Honorary Member), Kiteley, Lincoln
(Honorary Member)
AGENDA
1. Minutes of the 1 November 1993 meeting were approved as
presented.
2. Turret Restoration Project
Progress continues on this important project. See Minutes
dated 11 -1 -93 item #2 for specific details.
3. Awards List - Nominations to date:
City Hall access improvements.
Although flags and other distinctive elements were
eliminated in the rebid process, Metcalfe is still eager to
have the entrance finished "nicely
Maplewood Avenue (Bay State) -- an old house restored by
Chuck Tyler. Kunath will provide additional information.
Silverscape Designs
1 King Street - Denis Perlman
Tepper Building Pleasant Street
Lockwood invited NHC members (or others) to submit
additional nominations.
4. Plaque Committee report and discussion
Evans (Chairperson of Plaque Committee) reported that the
committee is reviewing plaque texts and establishing some
criteria for selecting historic sites as well. She has
Bloomberg's Macintosh disc containing current plaque texts
and the editing process is continuing. Soon, Evans will
mail plaque texts to all NHC members for review. Members
should bring edited texts to the 10 January meeting for
final approval.
Evans asked again about the mechanics of assembling the
plaques. Metcalfe replied that approved texts would be
produced in full size on special paper, then glued on the
wood templates and waterproofed with a urethane (or other)
finish. He will take the wood plaques and Macintosh disc to
Paradise Printing and then complete "final touches" on the
plaques.
Lockwood regards the plaque project as an on -going endeavor,
therefore, additional sites may be added in the future. For
example, sites that meet established selection criteria
might include churches with "design value ", historic
significance, etc., annex of the Draper Hotel et. al.
5. Other Business
a. Lockwood read Ellen Weiss' letter of resignation. She
regretted lack of progress on the house - dating project.
b. Fitzgerald will report on the downtown street lamp
replacement project.
C. Metcalfe commented on a MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
regarding the future disposition of Northampton State
Hospital lands. Its intent is to give the city more
control over what happens to this property so as to
make it more attractive to potential developers. He
noted as well that the Massachusetts Historical
Commission will determine the ultimate fate of the NSH
campus as well as the other such campuses throughout
the Commonwealth.
Lockwood will invite Wayne Feiden to the 10 January
meeting to discuss this MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING and
to explain the best ways to attract developers.
Murdock will ask OPD Secretary to include a copy of the
MOU with the mailing of the 6 December Minutes.
d. Murdock has scheduled 1994 NHC Monday meeting dates as
follows: 10 January, 7 February, 7 March, 4 April, 2
May, 6 June, (11 July), (1 August), 5 September, 3
October, 7 November, 5 December. ( ) = possible
vacation.
Place: Council on Aging Building
The next meeting will be held on 10 January 1994 at 4:15 p.m. in
the Council on Aging building.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary- Elizabeth Murdock
Recording Secretary