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2024.09.30 Staff Report.pdf To: Historical Commission From: Sarah LaValley Re: September 30 2024 Historical Commission Staff Report 5:30 PM Request for a Local Historic District Certificate of Appropriateness pursuant to Section 195 of the Northampton Code for demolition of an existing accessory structure and construction of a new dwelling unit. Construct Associates/Stacey Novack and Geoffrey Sanborn, 197 Elm Street, Parcel 31A-039. Overview: The application proposes demolition of an existing c. 1920 outbuilding that is currently being used as a pool house, and construction of a second residential unit of similar size to the existing pool house. The rear yard location will be similar to that of the existing structure, but will be shifted slightly to meet side lot line setback requirements. The new structure is proposed to have trim, soffit, and siding detail to match the principal structure. The Form B indicates that the house was constructed 1730-1780, but notes that none of the architectural features common to that period are present, and that the building has been altered over time. Its brick foundation indicates it may have been moved to its current location in the 1800s. It does not include any information about the structure proposed to be demolished. The structure is visible from Elm Street, though not prominently. However, the Commission reviews all exterior changes that would be visible even in the absence of all freestanding walls and fences, signs, accessory structures, and landscaping. Recommendation: The Commission should review the design standards, specifically those for demolition or removal, page 23, and new construction, pages 30-34. The demolition standards are targeted toward principal structures, but should still be considered. 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. Relocation of the structure, rather than demolition, should be considered. Condition appears to be good, and while not original to the district, could be repurposed in another location. If relocation is not possible due to site constraints, it could be deconstructed and elements salvaged. If the Commission can find that the work is compatible with the district after considering significance of the site, the general design, building alignment, setback, height, articulation, texture, material and features involved, and the relation of such features to similar features of buildings and structures in the surrounding area, a Certificate of Appropriateness can be issued. `2 Significance Determination, 3-5 Clark Ave An Application for demolition of this 2-family structure has been filed with the building department. Please click the address link above for streetview images of the structure. A determination must be made at the 9/30 meeting ; the Ordinance provides 15 days for this review. According to the inventory form, the building was constructed in 1850; it would have been a riverfront property at that time. Original windows appear to have recently been replaced. The criteria on which to determine significance, according to the Ordinance are below. These are the only criteria on which a decision can be based. Significance is the first step in the demo review; if the Commission determines the building to be significant, a hearing to determine whether it is Preferably Preserved will then be held. The significance determination is not a public hearing A. The building or structure is listed on, or is within an area listed on, the National Register of Historic Places; or B. 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 C. 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 D. 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.