[MassHistPres] Rebuilding after demolition

[Dcolebslade at aol.com]

The architect  working for an owner in the historic  district who has 
demolished a substantial portion of an 1803 house is stating  that since most of the 
house is gone, that the rest should be torn down and a  new house of a similar 
external appearance can be built, but with new materials  if they so desire, 
and that the historic district commission has no say  over that.  A good 
portion of the building and roofing  structure that collapsed has been saved 
through quick action by the  building inspector although it is on the ground and in  
dumpsters.   The architect challenged the commission with the  following two 
questions: 
(1)   Is there any requirement in Chapter 40C  or bylaw that states  that 
original materials be used in a renovation?  
(2) Does the Commission have oversight over internal  framing? 
Your responses were most helpful in how other commissions  have dealt with 
the issue of demolition and rebuilding.  I am hoping that  you can give us some 
insight into your responses to these questions -  within the context of 
demolition. 
Thank you.  Betty Slade, Westport 




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