2019.01.28 Staff Report.pdf
Historical Commission Staff Report 1 January 28, 2019
To: Historical Commission From: Sarah LaValley RE: Staff Report, January 28, 2019 Commission Meeting
Please note that staff recommendations are based on the paper record. Applicants may
present other information that could be persuasive.
5:30 PM – Public Hearing: Request for a Local Historic District Certificate of
Appropriateness pursuant to Section 195 of the Northampton Code. Proposed
work to include exterior lighting, HVAC equipment installation, and
architectural revisions to previously approved addition. 1924LLC, 49 Round
Hill Road, Map ID 31B-004.
Application Overview:
The application proposes modifications to the previously approved design for renovation of
the Checkwriters building. Proposed work includes three different types of lighting;
including recessed wall sconces with downlighting, exit lights, and roof deck lights. A
modification to the building addition design to reflect comments made by MassHistoric and
the National Park Service during the historic tax credit application is also proposed. The
revisions include brick cladding, a lower roof line, and a mansard style roof. The
Commission supported the previously-approved design which included a clear separation
between the original structure and addition. MHC indicated that the historic circulation
pattern needed to be maintained, and fenestration to match the historic building, and
retaining of a section of brick wall were needed in order to meet the Secretary of the
Interior’s standards. Ground-mounted HVAC equipment with fencing and landscaping are
proposed, and the application also includes a modification that proposes an existing
accessible ramp on the Round Hill façade, which was previously proposed to be removed, to
remain in place.
A Planning Board Site Plan approval amendment has also been filed, the Planning Board
will consider lighting levels and hours as part of their review.
Some work has proceeded in absence of updated permits. The Historical Commission
should review all work as if it is initially being proposed, regardless of status.
Recommendation:
The Commission should review applicable design standards for lighting, modern
equipment, dormers, and architectural elements to determine if the work proposed is
appropriate for or compatible with the preservation of the Historic District. Lighting
fixtures in conformance with City of Northampton zoning regulations" are included in the
Historic District Ordinance as an exempt category, so the Commission should consider the
effect of the hardware on the character of the building and district. If the Commission
Historical Commission Staff Report 2
January 28, 2019
agrees that the work is appropriate for the District, a Certificate of Appropriateness,
including any conditions or modifications, can be issued.
Determination of Significance Pursuant to Demolition Review Ordinance – 43
Finn Street
The Commission must evaluate the building for ‘significance’ based only on the below
criteria. If the building is determined to be significant, a public hearing regarding
‘Preferably Preserved’ status and a possible demolition delay will be scheduled. This step is
generally performed by a subcommittee to meet timeframe requirements
The building or structure is listed on, or is within an area listed on, the National Register of
Historic Places; or
The building or structure has been found eligible by the National Park Service or the
Massachusetts Historical Commission for the National Register of Historic Places; and/or
the Massachusetts State Register of Historic Places, or has an application pending; or
The building or structure is importantly associated with one or more historic persons or
events, or with the broad architectural, cultural, political, economic or social history of the
City or the commonwealth; or
The building or structure is historically or architecturally important, in terms of period,
style, method of building construction or association with a recognized architect or builder,
either by itself or in the context of a group of buildings.
CT River Crib Structure
The City of Northampton and its local partners in the river channel markers program is
pursuing removal of a log and rock crib that requires marking and poses a hazard to boats.
Removal will require approval of the state Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources.
If the Commission does not have concerns with removal of the in-river structure as
described in the memo, a letter to the BUAR is requested. This could include any conditions
necessary, such as interpretive signage, or additional protection of the more intact structure
on the island.