2024.03.21 Staff Report.pdf
To: Historical Commission
From: Sarah LaValley
Re: March 21 2024 Historical Commission Staff Report
5:30 PM, Public Hearing. Request for a Local Historic District Certificate of Appropriateness pursuant to Section 195 of the Northampton Code for the
proposed demolition of existing dormitory building. Facilities Management of Smith College. 19 Round Hill Rd, MAP ID 31B-169
Overview:
The application proposes demolition of a 1970’s dormitory building. Adjacent similar-style
dormitories on Henshaw Avenue are also proposed to be removed; as these are not within the
local historic district, their demolition is not part of the application. Since this parcel is within
the LHD as expanded to include Round Hill in 2013, demolition is considered pursuant to local
historic district processes and standards, not the Demolition Review Ordinance. A replacement
structure is not proposed at this time. A historic inventory form for the dormitory was not
created when the district was expanded, but the structure is part of the same parcel as ‘the
gables, which is not proposed to be removed and will remain.
Recommendation:
The Design Standards specify that “Historic buildings are irreplaceable community assets.
Demolition of any building or structure within the district should be carefully considered. With
each demolition, the historic integrity of the district is further eroded. Demolition or removal of
a building or structure located in the historic district (whether or not the structure is visible to
the public) requires a demolition or removal permit from the Commission. The Commission will
approve a demolition permit only if the building or structure to be demolished has been
determined by the Commission to have no significant historic merit or historic relationship to
the Elm Street Historic District. Removal and relocation shall be considered only as an
alternative to demolition.”
If the Commission finds that the standard for demolition has been met, and that the demolition
will not detract from the character of the district, a certificate of appropriateness can be issued.
Any new construction, or any other site work not specifically exempted will also require a
separate application and review for a certificate of appropriateness.
Review Proposed Roof Solar Panel Installation Pursuant to Historic Preservation
Restriction Agreement – Historic Northampton, Shepherd Barn
The City holds a permanent preservation restriction on the Historic Northampton
campus. Required as a condition of CPA funding for exterior restoration work to the
building, it requires that the City review proposed ‘major’ alterations to the Premises to
determine that such work will not affect the characteristics which contribute to the
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architectural, archaeological, or historical integrity of the Premises. The solar panel
installation constitutes a ‘major alteration’ and requires review and approval. The
Restriction specifies that the Secretary’s Standards for Rehabilitation must be used
as a guide for review. Review the work proposed, and allow the panels if consistent with
the standards. The Commission has previously reviewed and approved several ‘major’
changes to the Historic Northampton buildings and grounds, including rooftop solar on
other buildings, finding that the panels are reversible.
National Register Historic District Support – Northampton-New Haven Canal
The Office of Planning & Sustainability, using CPA funds and with Historical Commission
support, worked with PVPC and other canal communities to revive interest in a regionwide
Canal nomination. A study was completed in 2002, but the amount of followup necessary to
complete MassHistoric’s requirements for a nomination at that time made the project
infeasible. A full study was completed in 2023, and MassHistoric archaeology staff is
still processing the submission and the NR eligibility review will occur once that phase is
completed. Providing local support for the nomination would be useful to move forward to
the next step.