Owner presents major 9 Spa Circle remodel; design review board raises preservation and fenestration concerns

An owner and their architect returned to the Design Review Board on Oct. 15 with a revised proposal to rework 9 Spa Circle so that what was once the rear of the house becomes the principal facade. The proposal includes a new foyer connecting the house to the garage, a rebuilt porch, revised window patterns to promote symmetry and daylight, and a segmental (barrel) roof feature over the new connector. No formal vote was taken; the meeting resulted in detailed feedback and a request for revised drawings.

Why the project drew extended review

Board members said the application was one of the meeting’s most complex and benefited from an on‑site visit. Several reviewers noted that the portion being treated as a new “front” had previously been a later addition rather than original fabric, which gives the board some flexibility but also places a premium on preserving the rare original elements that remain elsewhere on the structure. The group emphasized that this is an architectural‑review district (not a strict historic‑district review) and that standards are similar but applied with some flexibility.

Principal discussion points and requests to the applicant

- Windows and openings: The board repeatedly flagged the proposed new triple‑window “gangs” on one historic facade and the conversion of existing opening patterns. Multiple reviewers requested that the applicant keep original openings where possible,…