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Landmarks approves demolition of rear garage at Bedford lot, holds building design for later review
Summary
The Landmarks Preservation Commission allowed demolition of a rear garage at 164 Hancock Street in the Bedford Historic District, approving removal now while requiring a later return for a new building design for the lot.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to approve the demolition of an undistinguished rear garage at 164 Hancock Street in the Bedford Historic District while deferring action on a proposed new building for the lot.
Applicant representatives said the existing garage is a utilitarian secondary structure likely built in the 1920s–1930s and is set well back from the street; commissioner discussion noted it is visible only from limited public views and not part of a consistent pattern of historic garages. Jackie Putenbaum of JPD Preservation Consulting explained the application is a partial approval request: the applicant seeks immediate permission to remove the existing garage so demolition can proceed while the design for a new building on the lot is refined and returned to the commission.
Commissioners expressed support for demolition. Commissioner Chapin said the garage is “an undistinguished building” and that demolition will allow the applicant to work out a more appropriate configuration. The commission moved and seconded a recommendation of approval in part and recorded a vote of seven in favor, none opposed. Commissioner Lehi was recused on the item.
The commission’s approval was explicitly limited to the garage demolition; the new building will return to the commission for full review. The approval statement said the garage’s demolition “will not detract from the site, streetscape, or historic district” given its nonhistoric character and limited visibility.
