10-24-23 Boston Landmarks Commission Hearing

22.1280 BLC 361 CENTRE STREET, BOSTON, MA 02132

After additional investigation by the development team and conversations with BPDA and the BLC, we propose the following approach to the Rose Window:

Window Glazing Option

Reglaze and restore the existing window with clear insulated glass OR

Replace with new window to match existing.

Window Frame Option

Repair and restore wood window frame. Any deteriorated elements will be replaced with wood matching the existing.

24.0295 BLC - 16 HOWE STREET, BOSTON, MA 02125

Renovate/modify interior and exterior of the single-family dwelling at 16 Howe Street, including the addition of a dormer (top rear), and relocate the main entrance. By separate application, erect new two-family dwelling (townhouse style) to the rear of the existing building. New building to be addressed as 16R Howe Street.

REVIEW OF DESIGN REVIEW ITEMS 

Chair of the design review subcommittee will review applications reviewed earlier in the evening.

ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW/APPROVAL

In order to expedite the review process, the commission has delegated the approval of certain work items, such as those involving ordinary maintenance and repair, restoration or replacement, or which otherwise have a minimal impact on a building’s appearance, to commission staff pending ratification at its monthly public hearing. Having been identified as meeting these eligibility criteria and all applicable guidelines, the following applications will be approved at this hearing:

24.0309 BLC - 137 BEACON STREET, BOSTON, MA 02116

Shutters: There are 16 shutters hanging on the south-facing elevation of the Gibson House. They are deteriorated. The new shutters will be an exact replica of the originals using red cedar, which is a weather-resistant wood. They will be primed and painted with 2 coats of paint to match the original color. Existing hardware will be reused. We will retain one pair in storage as a reference for future study.

Oriel Window: The Oriel Window was repaired and preserved as part of a group of projects funded by the Henderson Fund and the Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund in 1999. The decorative panels of the support structure below the oriel window show signs of wood failure and joint separation. Repairs and preservation now will check further deterioration and prevent water and moisture from entering the structure. Details such as mouldings will be milled to match originals as needed. The entire support structure will be primed and painted with 2 coats of paint. We have not found a paint analysis from 1999. Photographs show that the existing paint color has faded but we think it’s reasonable to paint the panels the same color as the shutters based on Sara Chase’s 2004 report. Her reports emphasize the importance of creating visual harmony “when one stands at the rear of the house”. All work will be consistent with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and subject to approval of the Back Bay Architectural Commission. 

24.0357 BLC - 145 HANOVER STREET, BOSTON, MA 02108

Sign panel was hit by something. It was repaired immediately.  Submitting to cure violation #: v699419. We already repaired and submitted permit, but it required BLC architecture review.  The building permit is SF1528212.

24.0375 BLC - 4 JERSEY STREET, BOSTON, MA 02115

T-Mobile is proposing to modify their existing telecommunication equipment configuration located on the right field light pole at Fenway Park.  T-Mobile will be removing (8) antennas, (3) TMAs, and (2) RRUs.  T-Mobile will be installing (5) antennas and (6) RRUs.  Associated hardware for mounting antennas and cabling also to be installed.  T-Mobile also proposing changes to cabinets on their existing steel platform.  

23.1117 BLC - 10 MELVILLE AVE, BOSTON, MA 02124 

The project is a reconstruction of an existing carriage house that is in extremely poor condition. This application is the review of the paint schemes which were remanded to staff review. Staff has reviewed the paint schemes and they are appropriate to the historic period of the carriage house and main house.

#224.07 CITY HALL STUDY REPORT The draft study report for City Hall was posted and distributed on October 2, 2023

Commissioner Comments/Questions -

Public Comment and Feedback

568 Columbia Road, Upham's Corner, Dorchester, MA

Cedar Grove Cemetery Chapel, Dorchester, MA

Atlantic Boiler Works, 80 Border Street, East Boston, MA

Congregation Mishkan Tefila Cemetery, West Roxbury, MA 

Charlestown Working Theater, Charlestown MA

Memorial Hall, Charlestown MA

 Review and ratification of Public Hearing Minutes from 10/10/23.

11/14/23 - NEXT BLC HEARING Business Hearing at 6pm

Vote to adjourn public hearing