[MassHistPres] Bell-Cell transmitters

[Jeff Howry]

The Pleasant St Congregational Church in Arlington replaced the wooden
louvers in its steeple (replaced ca. 1963, following the steeple's
destruction following the '38 hurricane) with ones fabricated from
fiberglass as part of a cell transmitter installation.  The dimensions of
the fiberglass louver replacements are identical to the dimensions and color
to the wooden ones, which are now safely stored in the church for future
reference/conservation purposes.  When viewed from 75 feet, at street level,
the fiberglass replicas are indistinguishable from wooden ones.

 

As others have commented, it is the dimensions and color of materials used
on historic properties in these instances that are important, not the
materials, per se.  The replacement received the approval of the Arlington
HDC and the MHC, who holds a preservation easement on sanctuary building,
including the steeple.  The property is within a local historic district and
individually listed on the NR.

 

The monetary benefits for owners of historic properties are significant,
while the substitution of materials have nominal, if any, affect on the
historic significance or fabric of the property.  Design review and approval
PRIOR to installation by architecturally knowledgeable members of
congregations, as well as the local historic district commissions, is
essential.

 

Jeff Howry

Property Administrator

Pleasant Street Congregational Church

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