SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Historic Commission on Thursday approved a certificate of appropriateness for an adaptive-reuse project at 1155 Main Street that would convert upper-floor office space to residential, replace about 56 windows on nonprimary facades and add a modest set-back fifth-floor addition. The commission voted to allow the changes after reviewing elevations, materials and a preservation plan presented by the project team.

The plan, presented to the commission by representatives of the project team and its architect, calls for retaining the Main Street primary façade and focusing window replacements on secondary and rear facades where ivy has damaged original frames. The application lists about 56 replacement windows (1-over-1, double-hung units in a bronze finish), three entry doors replaced in-kind, and a new fifth-floor addition set back roughly 5 to 6 feet from the building face to reduce visibility from the street. The project team said they will match trim and storefront bronze finishes and will use a darker gunmetal EIFS for the addition to complement — not compete with — the building’s brick.

Why it matters: The block is in a downtown area where preserving street-facing historic fabric is a priority, while allowing infill housing and reuse of upper floors supports downtown revitalization goals. Commissioners said the project balances preservation goals with adding housing and modern systems.

Most important facts first: Commission members examined photos of ivy damage, existing replacement wood windows and proposed profiles and materials. The project team said many primary-facade windows are being retained and that most replacements will occur on secondary facades and courtyard areas where the existing single-pane or damaged frames are beyond repair. The team described plans for a gated, recessed loading area and a redesigned back-of-house corridor to reduce negative impact on the retail pedestrian experience. The application also included a letter of authorization indicating a contract purchaser would represent the redevelopment authority for the filing.

Supporting details: Presenters said the Colonial Hall interior room on the second floor — a boxed, wood-paneled room with wainscoting — will be preserved and converted into a single residential unit rather than altered. The new windows were described as Marvin-style, double-hung units where feasible; in courtyard and rear elevations the project team proposed matching profiles and bronze finishes to existing storefronts. The team also noted they will try to salvage interior trim and some historic interior features. The proposed roll-up loading door will be decorative and set back several feet to reduce its visibility from pedestrian routes.

Commission discussion and decision: Commissioners asked about the locations for window replacements, the treatment of infilled openings and how the proposed addition would relate to the rooflines. Commissioners also emphasized careful ivy removal and brick repair. After discussion, a motion to approve the application as presented passed with commissioners voting in favor. (The transcript records a roll-call-style “aye” vote; individual vote names were not included in the public record excerpt.)

What remains: The project team said design-development documents will return to staff and the commission with refined window schedules and additional details in October. The team also described ongoing tower and clock-face stabilization work on the building that will continue as a separate construction activity and is expected to be completed before the holiday season.

Context: The commission’s approval covers visible exterior changes shown in the application and does not substitute for other required permits, building-code approvals, or utility or state environmental clearances. If utility or other agencies require changes (for example, relocation of mechanicals), those changes will need separate review if they alter the exterior in ways the commission did not approve.

Ending: The commission’s approval clears a major step for the adaptive-reuse scheme; the project team said they will return with finalized materials samples and additional details in October.