[MassHistPres] Fwd: Rebuilding after demolition

[Dcolebslade at aol.com]

How is this answer to the questions originally posed  below?
 
It is our understanding that the house now requires  reconstruction. The 
owner's opportunity for the  renovation of an existing structure was lost when  
his crew's reckless activity caused the collapse of  the building.  We believe 
that the exterior of a  historic building includes the 
shingles/clapboards/trim/window frames and sash,  the sheathing that stuff was nailed to and the frame 
that supported everything  and defined the building's distinctive form. By  
understanding and arguing this logic, the commission could require that  the 
original cape be reconstructed in its original manner, post and beam,  vertical 
sheathing, etc. Internal structure could be hermaphrodite construction  (a 
logical combination of new and old). The architect would have to prepare  
detailed construction plans including structural building sections, not vague  
elevations.
 
 
  
____________________________________
 From: Dcolebslade at aol.com
To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
Sent: 1/11/2008  10:24:19 P.M. Eastern Standard Time
Subj: [MassHistPres] Rebuilding after  demolition



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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**************Start the year off right.  Easy ways to stay in shape.     
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