The Springfield Historic Commission on Sept. 4 heard a multi‑hour presentation and a string of public comments about a proposed single‑story residence at Bowden Street submitted by Guidewire Inc.; commissioners continued the application for further work and scheduled the item for Oct. 2.

The applicant said the plan is for a one‑story house with a central porch, high kitchen ceiling with clerestory windows and ten bedrooms in two wings, sized and arranged to meet the operational needs of a community residence that will serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The applicant said the city planning and law departments had reviewed zoning questions and advised that a special permit was not required; the project team said they submitted documentation supporting that view.

The matter drew more than a dozen written letters and many public speakers opposed to the design and/or to further concentration of group homes in the McKnight historic neighborhood. Concerns focused on scale, massing and compatibility: dozens of letters and multiple speakers said the single‑story, long, low form “reads” as a commercial building, does not match the three‑story Victorian houses on the block, and risks harming the district’s character and property values. Several commenters acknowledged support for community residences but asked for a design more visually compatible with McKnight.

Commissioners questioned whether the long, low plan could be made to look more like surrounding houses — for example by reducing the apparent length, changing massing, or reorienting internal rooms — and whether interior accommodations (e.g., an elevator) could allow a two‑story solution. The applicant’s architect said the client would not fund a two‑story building and that the layout was chosen to meet program needs and budget constraints. The architect also said the design uses historically appropriate materials (wood door, painted hardiplank, wood railings, asphalt shingles and Pella windows with exterior grills).

After discussion the commission did not vote on appropriateness. Commissioners raised strong aesthetic concerns about the current design; a motion to approve was modified on the floor and not adopted. The commission agreed to continue the application to the Oct. 2 meeting so the applicant can consider revisions and the commission can review additional materials and public comment.

The continuation gives Guidewire and its design team time to refine massing and street frontage treatments, and gives residents and commissioners time to review revised drawings and any alternative orientations or materials the applicant may propose. No permit or construction authorization was issued at the Sept. 4 meeting.