Commission approves infill door at 82‑2 High Street to match existing storefronts

Somersworth — The Somersworth Historic District Commission approved an application from property owner Peter Merrill to add an exterior door between two existing doors on the High Street elevation at 82‑2 High Street, with conditions that the new door and threshold match adjacent doors and transom details.

Merrill told the commission the change is part of an internal reconfiguration to create two separate ground‑floor offices. He said the new door will be identical to the two existing doors on either side, including a matching half‑round (fanlight) transom detail and similar step material. Commissioners asked for clarity about the opening’s full height and the lintel above the proposed opening; Merrill confirmed the new opening would extend to the underside of the existing lintel and that the step would match the adjacent threshold material (granite or like kind).

Commissioners reviewed photographs and a sample of the proposed door and materials. Commissioner Berry asked for confirmation that the step and transom would be matched; Merrill confirmed the door will match existing doors, including lights in the door and the half‑round transom above. The commission approved the application with the condition that the installed door match the existing doors and transom and that the step be replaced in like kind.

The commission’s approval allows the property owner to proceed with the infill door as presented. The approval follows the HDC’s guidance to maintain consistent storefront rhythm and to reuse or match historic storefront elements where feasible.