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Bay State Bank project wins certificate of appropriateness for signage, handrail and roof work at 44 West Street
Summary
The commission approved exterior changes for 44 West Street, including signage replacement, a new staff entrance with handrail, rooftop HVAC upgrades, and roof cleaning or repair, noting the building is a 1985 structure within the Elm Park local historic district.
The Worcester Historical Commission granted a certificate of appropriateness for exterior alterations at 44 West Street, where Bay State Bank plans to relocate operations to a 1985 building within the Elm Park local historic district.
Tom Chidina and Nico Pantiliakis of NES Group presented the proposal for the bank. They said proposed work includes replacing existing signage with in‑kind signage, removing a disused loading dock to create a secondary employee entrance with a handrail, replacing and consolidating rooftop HVAC equipment with modern, more efficient units, and attempting to restore or clean the roof surface (a fiber cement or tile product) and restore window finishes.
Presenter Tom Chidina noted the building is not individually historic but sits within a local historic district; the roof material is a modern fiber cement product rather than historic slate, and the team plans to power‑wash and restore it first, replacing with asphalt shingles only if cleaning proves unsuccessful. The proposal also includes preserving original metal trim and lead‑coated copper detailing along the soffit.
Commissioners expressed general support; no public commenters spoke. The commission voted to approve the certificate of appropriateness with findings that the handrail, entrance, rooftop HVAC equipment replacement, and repair/cleaning or replacement of the roof as needed are appropriate for the Park Neighborhood local historic district.
The applicant may proceed with plans and will coordinate with staff on any required details for the rooftop equipment and signage.
