Town Administrator Tim Bragan came to the Harvard Historical Commission’s meeting Oct. 1, to talk about proposed architectural changes to Town Hall. Bragan pointed out that getting the HHC “in the loop” early will allow the commission to discuss and respond to proposed exterior changes well in advance of the official application for a certificate of appropriateness. Ken Swanton, chairman of HHC, spoke for the board in saying, “It’s really positive that you’re bringing us into the process.”
Bragan brought copies of the recent Town Hall envelope analysis and recommendations by restoration consultant John Holland and called attention to some of the items that the HHC will be asked to approve: handicapped access for the front entry, a portico over the side entrance, siding, and windows. He said that Holland is meeting with Drayton Fair of LLB Architects, and after that meeting Bragan will get HHC a final list of proposed modifications. Planning for that, the commissioners set a meeting for Oct. 15 to discuss the complete list.
Architecture and preservation
Commissioner Joe Theriault reminded the board that its jurisdiction is limited to judging the appropriateness of exterior architectural changes to a building within the town’s historic districts. (See HHC website for the factors considered in making judgments about construction, modification, and demolition.) He added that the commission plays only an “advisory” role in preservation.
But Commissioner Ron Ostberg argued that HHC can do more than advise on preservation; it can set performance standards by which durability is ensured and not compromised by budget changes. Saying that the HHC “is the one body that can affect preservation of an exterior,” Ostberg asserted that preservation of Town Hall has to be provided for in the base cost, not in alternatives. He claimed the commission can “order” preservation through such things as a durable vapor barrier. Ostberg asked Bragan to flag those items on the final list of proposed changes that may be sticking points in preservation versus cost.
The clock is not yet ticking on an application for a certificate of appropriateness, and given these opportunities for input into the process, the HHC should be well prepared to make a timely decision on Town Hall modifications when the time comes.
Other HHS business
In other business, Theriault used his computer to display “modernized” maps of the town’s two historic districts. He pointed out that there are no changes in boundaries from the original 1976 maps; it’s just that these maps are vastly improved in clarity and readability. The HHC will present final versions at Town Meeting.
Theriault also showed his colleagues updates on the commission’s website, which Theriault has been expanding over the past 18 months. The site has a vast amount of information, ranging from forms for downloading, to a handbook for commissioners, to descriptions of historical assets, to a library of resources.
The HHC is looking for two alternates for its board and for volunteers for special projects. One can find information on these positions on the job openings page of their website, hhcommission.wordpress.com.
