Monadnock Ledger-Transcript – Brick proves sticking point for Hancock Inn

The Hancock Historic District Fee held its sixth assembly concerning 33 Predominant Avenue Realty LLC’s proposed exterior modifications to the Hancock Inn on Monday, and whereas many of the modifications have been accepted, the usage of bricks to exchange a brick fence wooden remained a sticking level.

The group bought the inn from Marcia and Jarvis Coffin for $1.15 million, and a minimum of $2 million will likely be spent on upgrades, in response to Kerri Landry, spokesperson for 33 Predominant Avenue LLC. The hostel is anticipated to reopen in the summertime of 2023.

Lawyer Mark Fernald, representing 33 Predominant Avenue Realty, mentioned: “[The Hancock Historic District Commission] would not like brick,” including that he would not know if his shopper needs to vary the present plan of the fence.

“We have now made progress and I am glad about that,” he mentioned.

In the course of the assembly, the committee mentioned 33 Predominant Avenue LLC’s proposal for the 8 foot excessive brick fence, pergola, bluestone patio and 4 1/2 foot excessive brick wall across the patio. The fee pitted every proposed ingredient towards varied metropolis ordinances that included guidelines concerning scale and measurement in relation to the present setting, the affect of the venture, and the way the brand new parts would align with the character. metropolis ​​historical past.

After some dialogue concerning the historic accuracy of the inclusion of a pergola, the bluestone patio, together with the pergola and wall across the patio, was accepted. However the 8ft excessive wall that may shield kitchen gear was not accepted resulting from questions fee members had concerning the historic integrity of the brand new design – particularly the usage of brick – which might be seen from the highway.

“Though there are 5 brick homes in Hancock, there aren’t any brick partitions to talk of within the city of Hancock,” mentioned commissioner Sarah Bauhan. “No brick fences. I spoke to an architectural historian who shook his head and mentioned [brick is] fully inappropriate for the city of Hancock and the historic district. It simply would not match.

Fernald responded by asking what number of clean picket partitions have been within the neighborhood.

“It is subjective,” he mentioned. “What makes a clean picket wall extra acceptable than a clean brick wall?”

Bauhan mentioned inserting a brick wall within the proposed location can be an eyesore.

“It is not an acceptable materials for a wall or a fence on this neighborhood,” she mentioned.

Fee Chair Nancy Macalaster reminded members and representatives of 33 Predominant Avenue Realty that the fee has a mandate to adjust to the order.

“Its affect doesn’t protect or improve the historic, architectural and cultural qualities of the District. It is not about whether or not we expect it is ugly,” she mentioned.

Fernald reminded the council that the constructing’s kitchen vents – which the present fence protects – aren’t a historic characteristic.

“Any speak about preserving the wall as a result of it is historic is mindless,” he mentioned. “It is a useful characteristic of the trendy period, not a historic characteristic.”

Macalaster mentioned it was about affect relatively than preservation.

“It is about sustaining the character and the tradition,” she mentioned.

The fee oversees the Hancock Historic District, shaped by the town in 1975, and opinions modifications to the exteriors, buildings or options of buildings inside the boundaries of the district, in response to the town’s web site. The neighborhood spans the center of the town from the western fringe of Pine Ridge Cemetery eastward to a part of Bennington Highway simply earlier than reaching Hancock Elementary College. Buildings within the neighborhood embrace the Inn, the Municipal Library, and the Metropolis Corridor.

Dan Sysco, Building Supervisor for 33 Predominant Avenue Realty, mentioned, “On the finish of the day, it is all about {hardware}.

“If I put in brick you’d all freak out, but when it is wooden you would be okay. It is the brick characteristic the place I am combating,” he mentioned. “It suits with the town after I learn your bylaws. The way in which it is written, so long as [brick] meets this criterion of respecting the historic side, which is within the metropolis, it ought to work.

Council didn’t approve the 8ft excessive brick wall and can meet once more to debate the matter on November 22.