2005-08-09 Historical Commission Minutes

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Reading Historical Commission Minutes August 9, 2005 Attending: Karen Herrick Channel Building Company Virginia Adams - Chairperson Lt. Col. Wilbar Hoxie Brad Richards,,..-; Mark Cardono -Secretary Sue Patterson Jim Heiberg; Pri E130 `I esigner George Doucette Sharlene Reynolds Santo A, q S Kathy Greenfield Linda Tuttle Call to order 7:35 PM - i Sgt: 3 2 Pierce Organ Factory: Channel Building Company has Pierce Organ Factory under agreement. Representatives from Channel Building Company were in attendance so that they could have a conceptual meeting to work with The Commission on the project. They brought in copies of their site plan, for the Organ Pipe Condominiums, for The Commission to review. Their plan is to develop 9 condominiums, which includes 2 garden style apartments (1 level), and 7 townhouses. The units will be around 1200 sq ft each and reasonably priced. They want to make the property look like and have the feeling of the photograph from the turn of the century. They plan on removing some of the out buildings and add-ons, but keeping the 2 main buildings and the old chimney intact. They said the 2 main buildings are good, but need some work. They want to save the timber framing. They would like to have the driveway go under the building so that the parking would be less obtrusive to the neighbors. They will have to go before the Zoning Board for approval of the change in use. Virginia told them that The Commission put together a set of guidelines. Virginia read the guidelines. Mark asked them about the condition of the structure. They said the 2 main buildings are fairly sound, but they will have to repair and replace as necessary. Sue asked if they are familiar with adaptive reuse. They answered that they are, and that they have had good luck in the past. They added that they feel it is a good location for the condominiums. The windows are in bad condition, but the company will salvage the window caps. Wilbar asked how they planned on heating the units. They explained that each unit will have it's own HVAC system. Virginia asked about window placement. They replied that windows would remain in the same places, with the addition of 1 or 2 for symmetry, where the building is to be extended. Brad asked if The Commission is concerned with some out buildings being removed. Virginia answered that The Commission knew some were in bad condition. They said that they wanted to salvage one of the outbuildings which is timber framed. Virginia asked how the arched entrance to the parking lot would affect plows and dumpsters. They explained that it is just a concept and needs further review. Linda asked if they could use Spring Street for the entrance. They explained that there are residential properties between the property and Spring Street. The future owners added that the rear building may have dormers and balconies, and that they want to make the timber framing visible. Sharlene asked if the dormers and balconies would be visible from the street. They replied that neither would be visible from the street. Wilbar asked about drainage in rear of the property. They said there is an existing drain. Virginia said that she is very pleased with the design concept and the sensitivity they are applying to the property. Virginia requested they keep The Commission informed. They are looking for a letter of support or support from the Commission. They feel that the building project will bring the property closer to conforming. They also want to sit down with the neighbors to review the plans and ask for support. Virginia brought up that demolition delay may come up. She added that if we work in advance, we may be able to release the delay for the out buildings. RHC Minutes Rhc08092005.doc Page 1 of 2