MINUTES OF THE ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE May 23, 1960 Present: Mr. Charles E. Peterson and Mr. Trautwein, Chairman Also present were: Mr. George A. Robbins, Mr. John F. Lloyd and Mr. Tinkcorn Mr. R. Norris Williams telephoned to say he would be unable to attend the meeting. Mr. Robbins exhibited two sheets of architectural drawings and evidences of sources he had used to prepare them for the committee. The Chairman referred these to Mr. Peterson for review. Sheet # 1: Double hung windows, plank front framing c 1780, showing six arrangements of lights, all with 8 x 10" glass. These arrangements could be adapted to 7 x 9"; 9 x 11" and 10 x 12". Several changes were suggested for this window framing sheet. Sheet # 2: Drawings of three doors c 1780. One a plankfront; another a plank front with transom, the third a plankfront with dogear trim, brackets and pediment. 270 South Third Street Drawings by Mr. W. Nelson Anderson, Architect, were studied. It was observed that a second floor frame addition is to be removed, as required by the Redevelopment Authority. Mr. Peterson commented that there is a risk in removing such an addition, since it may have been part of the original fabric of the house. Because the building is not visible from Orianna Street, Mr. Peterson could not give his opinion about the addition in this case, but that, generally speaking, he believed the Commission should discourage people from changing the back of any building without sufficient evidence to prove that the "addition" was not an original part of the house since these deviations from the usual tend to make the whole a more interesting structure. Mr. Lloyd reported that the Redevelopment Authority, in conference with the Department of Licenses & Inspections, had arrived at the decision that all frame "additions" must be removed because they are fire hazards, or else must be fire-proofed, which is not always expedient. The Chairman pointed out that very little is being done to the front of the building, except shutters, a new door and six over six window panes. He recommended that the committee approve the plans. Mr. Peterson concurred. The plans are approved. Mr. Peterson asked whether the state of the interior is discussed with applicants for a Building Permit, to discover whether any of the original appointments still exist. The executive secretary reported that this is routine,
He recommended that the committee approve the plans. Mr. Peterson concurred. The plans are approved. Mr. Peterson asked whether the state of the interior is discussed with applicants for a Building Permit, to discover whether any of the original appointments still exist. The executive secretary reported that this is routine, and if an original fittings are intact, the owner or his contractor is urged to preserve them. Neave & Abercrombie houses, 272-274 and 276-278 South Second Street Mr. Peterson commented that these two properties are a good example of the importance of the backbuildings which are vital to the whole structure. He wonders if the purchasers are aware that the rear ends are to be demolished and if they would be as interested in completing negotiations when they learn of this possibility, a plan that would allow space for a proposed access ramp (to an underground garage). Mr. Peterson recommended that the Commission request the Redevelopment Authority to restudy this plan. Architectural Committee Minutes -2- May 23, 1960 502 Spruce Street The submission was incomplete and no action could be taken. It was reported that scaffolding is already in place against the building. The matter was postponed until the next meeting. Mr. Peterson proposed that at the next stated meeting of the Historical Commission, the purchasers of Stafford's Tavern (a Mr. and Mrs. Knauer) be commended for their interest in preserving this unique building. The meeting was adjourned at 4:45 P.M. Respectfully submitted George K. Trautwein Chairman