[MassHistPres] Imitation stone in historic districts

[Dennis De Witt]

I can't say we have a "policy" but Brookline just approved the used  
of fieldstone-like cast stone 'halves" for use on a very low  
foundation wall in an area where the foundations typically are  
fieldstone.  This was skeptically scrutinized by neighbors who  
wouldn't give the developer an inch, and found acceptable (as opposed  
to parged concrete).  It is sheltered by an overhanging flair in the  
shingle wall.  I don't think we would have approved it in a more  
visible and exposed to the weather situation.  It really is  
impossible to tell from stone.  The question is, what will it look  
like in 20 years?

Dennis De Witt


On Nov 1, 2006, at 7:32 PM, Anne Forbes wrote:

> The Acton Historic District Commission has had two recent  
> applications for certificate that propose the use of some of the  
> newer imitation stone products on the market.
>
> The most problematic proposals for us have been for retaining  
> walls, which can involve a large amount of material.  The main  
> choices for retaining walls seem to be real stone (by far the most  
> expensive,) concrete, landscape timbers, or imitation stone  
> block.   Specifically, on 11/6 we will be reviewing the product  
> called Redi-Rock, which imitates large granite blocks, for a  
> retaining wall on the rear part of a property.
>
> Have other commissions dealt with these materials, or developed  
> policies concerning them?
>
> Thanks for sharing any experience in this area.
>
> Anne Forbes
> Acton HDC
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