Link back to Historic Districts Commission
Thursday August 14, 2008
Hingham Town Hall
7:00 P.M.
Present: Chairman Scott Ford, John McCoy, Nancy MacKay, Elaine Marcell, Winston Hall, Susan Berry, Arthur Choo, Jr., Bill Tuite, Ben Wilcox, Chuck Clutz
Chairman Scott Ford called the meeting to order at 7:07P.M.
658 Main Street
Architect Roger Hoit and owner Celia Walker presented plans for an addition to the Main Street residence. The house is currently covered with vinyl siding. The intent is to build the addition first and then replace the vinyl siding as a second step. Chairman Ford complimented the design saying that he likes the fact that the addition goes to the rear. General style and massing were discussed. Chuck
Clutz commented that the design is fine except for the picture window above the garage door. He questioned whether it is appropriate, but added that the window probably could not be seen from the street. Ben Wilcox agreed that the considerable distance of the garage from the street is a factor. The discussion moved to the need for a new retaining wall. R. Hoit said that the existing wall is stone and it will remain stone. Details were then identified. R. Hoit described the windows on the addition as being 2/2 true divided light with storm panels. Ben Wilcox talked about the obvious difference in existing versus new materials, saying that if vinyl remains on the front of the house, there will be a lack of continuity between the house and the addition for what could be an extended period of time. Members agreed that continuity is a concern. The connector between the house and the addition should be all vinyl or all clapboard. R. Hoit responded that it will be all clapboard. Ben said that the vinyl/clapboard should break at a logical place and suggested that the corner boards on the house create a clear demarcation.
Decision
The Commission voted unanimously to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness to 658 Main Street to construct an addition as shown on plans dated 7/21/08 with the following conditions:
• All windows are to be wood, single pane true divided light.
• If the vinyl is not replaced on the south elevation, the corner board must remain.
• All other detail including trim must match the existing detail.
• The wood railing is to be painted white, the chimney is to be brick with a brick cap, and the roof shingles must match those on the house.
Informal Discussion - 6 Station Street
Architect Bonnie Hobbs presented preliminary drawings of the proposed Biergarten to be built on the property at 6 Station Street. Also present were project proponents Hans Dietrich, Margaret Walker, and consultant Mary Jean Schultz. The aim of the project is to unite the portions of North Street separated by the vast intersection of Station and North Streets, and to help unite the downtown and the harbor.
Discussion
Chairman Scott Ford asked Commission members to provide comments on the building’s size and design. All members agreed that the size and mass of the building were appropriate for the site and fit within the context of the area. Design comments were varied and covered elements on each elevation.
Ben Wilcox – How does the North Street elevation fit with the other footprints in the area?
BH – It has the look of three separate buildings, which breaks it up. The mass is similar to the MDC building in Hull.
Ben Wilcox – 72 North Street is actually one building with different uses and entrances.
Arthur Choo – I like the massing.
Nancy MacKay – The design overshadows the simplicity of the other buildings and the streetscape.
BH – Yes, it will dominate like Tosca’s and the Square Café.
Scott Ford – The building doesn’t necessarily have to be clapboard, but it does have to fit in with the architecture on the street – especially the second floor.
HDC – There is so much detail, some of which is conflicting. For example, the cutouts on the shutters differ on the two sides of the building. There is too much going on. It needs to be simpler.
BH – Too much going on?
Scott Ford – The front reminds me of a carousel. Maybe it’s the flag. It’s festive.
HDC – Although it’s festive, the flag has to go.
Chuck Clutz – I think the dormers add to the busyness.
Discussion moved to the octagonal front entrance. Members questioned the appropriateness of the eight-sided glass foyer, saying that it is too contemporary for historic North Street. They suggested reducing the number of sides and using other materials so that it is not completely glass.
BH – I used the octagon shape to compliment the corner. It’s difficult to work with the curve at the intersection. I suppose I could reduce the number of sides.
Winston Hall – The old Cushing House on North Street was built in the concept of its time – Victorian. Therefore, it is not unprecedented to have something that different in the area.
BH – We want the building to stand out. We don’t want it to be boring!
Scott Ford – What materials will you use?
BH – We are thinking of a stone base with stucco above, wood windows, asphalt shingles.
Margaret Walker – We will use subtle colors.
Attendee Sarah Dewey – Why not use the German scalloped shingles. That would be better than stucco.
Attendee Dorcas Wagner – The Station Street side really goes Bavarian.
HDC – The Station Street side incorporates several different styles. It would be better to settle on one and be consistent.
Hans Dietrich talked about his vision of the building as a German Biergarten, and the fact that it will be a family restaurant. Further discussion about the Bavarian style led to the HDC asking if the style could be simpler, citing a building in a picture on the wall of the meeting room.
Margaret Walker – I wanted something just like that, an old railroad station. I prefer a simpler style.
HDC – The RR station style would fit better in the area.
Susan Berry – I am concerned about the continuity of the block. It has a good old Hingham feel.
Elaine Marcel – I am concerned about the frontage on North Street as well. The other sides have a lot of space around, which mitigates the effect of the building.
Chuck Clutz – That is a very prominent corner. It’s important to have a building that fits in.
Scott Ford summarized the comments – I think we all support the idea of the Biergarten. I also think we are in agreement that the size and the mass of the building are fine, that there are too many details and different styles represented in the details. It’s my opinion that the building should look more like the buildings on that part of North Street.
MJ Shultz thanked HDC members for their suggestions and comments and said that they should be able to start the formal process soon. They have to go before other boards as well and will try to work with the boards simultaneously.
The next HDC meeting is on Thursday September 18, 2008 at 7:00 P.M.
Chairman Scott Ford adjourned the meeting at 9:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrea Young
Administrator