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2010-06-04 Historical Commission Minutes
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2010-06-04 Historical Commission Minutes
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Town of Reading <br />16 Lowell Street <br />Reading, MA 01867=2683 <br />HISTORICAL COMMISSION <br />(781) 942-6661 <br />historical@ci.reading.ma.us <br />June 4, 2010 <br />Mr. William P. Johnson <br />WPJ Development Company <br />36 High Vale Lane <br />Andover, MA 01810 <br />Re: Pierce Organ Factory Proposal / WPJ Development Co. <br />Dear Mr. Johnson: <br />This letter is in response to the proposal which you presented at the May 4, 2010 <br />meeting of the Reading Historical Commission. After reviewing your preliminary <br />proposal of eight units, our further study of the factory complex, and further discussion <br />and assessment of our position, we present our expectations below. <br />Your current plan, as presented, would substantially destroy the Pierce Organ <br />Factory complex in order to, build housing on the site. Such a significant demolition <br />would leave only a limited portion of the early building extant and, therefore, the <br />importance of the remnant portion gains even greater significance due to the minor <br />amount of original materials, shape and fabric still intact. <br />Early photos illustrate that the earliest portion of the factory is delineated by the <br />first four windows on the southern fagade. We also believe that a portion of the <br />extension along Pierce St. should be considered as a relevant historic addition and <br />retained. Further study ofa series of historic photographs dates this extension almost to <br />the same time as the original block. In addition, this portion of the building would give <br />some support and stability to the earliest section, and would maintain the streetscape and <br />feel of the organ factory. Even with. the retention of this extension, there is still <br />substantial enough demolition to warrant the expectations set forth below. We will agree <br />to appropriate changes, including new construction, while limiting our restrictions to the <br />street facades or what can be seen from the public way. A more concrete and <br />comprehensive discussion will depend upon information provided by additional detailed <br />plans and engineering reports. <br />As previously stated in our letter dated October 29, 2010, the Commission will <br />expect to pre-approve the materials and placement of exterior characteristics of the entire <br />project, including, but not limited to, clapboards, windows, doors, cupola, lighting and <br />
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