HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-06-04 Historical Commission MinutesTown of Reading
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867=2683
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
(781) 942-6661
historical@ci.reading.ma.us
June 4, 2010
Mr. William P. Johnson
WPJ Development Company
36 High Vale Lane
Andover, MA 01810
Re: Pierce Organ Factory Proposal / WPJ Development Co.
Dear Mr. Johnson:
This letter is in response to the proposal which you presented at the May 4, 2010
meeting of the Reading Historical Commission. After reviewing your preliminary
proposal of eight units, our further study of the factory complex, and further discussion
and assessment of our position, we present our expectations below.
Your current plan, as presented, would substantially destroy the Pierce Organ
Factory complex in order to, build housing on the site. Such a significant demolition
would leave only a limited portion of the early building extant and, therefore, the
importance of the remnant portion gains even greater significance due to the minor
amount of original materials, shape and fabric still intact.
Early photos illustrate that the earliest portion of the factory is delineated by the
first four windows on the southern fagade. We also believe that a portion of the
extension along Pierce St. should be considered as a relevant historic addition and
retained. Further study ofa series of historic photographs dates this extension almost to
the same time as the original block. In addition, this portion of the building would give
some support and stability to the earliest section, and would maintain the streetscape and
feel of the organ factory. Even with. the retention of this extension, there is still
substantial enough demolition to warrant the expectations set forth below. We will agree
to appropriate changes, including new construction, while limiting our restrictions to the
street facades or what can be seen from the public way. A more concrete and
comprehensive discussion will depend upon information provided by additional detailed
plans and engineering reports.
As previously stated in our letter dated October 29, 2010, the Commission will
expect to pre-approve the materials and placement of exterior characteristics of the entire
project, including, but not limited to, clapboards, windows, doors, cupola, lighting and
walkways. The Commission will also require a deed restriction be placed on the portion
of the building that will be retained. As also stated in that letter, in order to preserve this
historic and valuable portion of the structure, all efforts must be made to retain, or replace
in kind, the following:
a. Fenestration: Windows shall be retained, and shall only be replaced with same profile
and materials (wood) if necessary. The fenestration will be retained including wooden
window architrave. Use of appropriate storm windows is encouraged.
b. Exterior siding shall be,of painted wood clapboards, exposure to be within a 1/2" of
the earliest clapboards.
c. Trim shall be retained or replicated in wood.
d. Door placement should be retained in place.
e. Roofing should be of asphalt, non-architectural style.
f. Chimneys should be of real brick or non-existent.
g. No shutters or metal/awnings, although door hoods are encouraged.
h. Paint color should reflect earlier paint scheme.
- These conditions shall apply only to street visibility.
New construction shall NOT be subject to the above conditions. Artificial
materials such as Hardiplank (smooth sided not grained) and Azec are considered
compatible to the historic portion, provided they are of similar scale. The use of
compatible new construction techniques and materials will differentiate that portion from
the historic portion and define the new from the original as recommended in the Secretary
of the Interior's Standards of Rehabilitation, which states that "Designing a new addition
in a manner that makes clear what is historic and what is new."
In a sense, the preservation of only a portion of the Pierce Organ factory, with
more stringent design requirements, is a mitigation measure against the loss of the
complex's mass. We hope our position is clear and we look forward to working with you
as plans take shape on the redevelopment of this National Register property.
Sincerely,
Kathryn M. Greenfield
Chairman