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Commission grants provisional approval for near-term Wright Tavern paint, lighting and wall removals, contingent on scope memo
Summary
The Concord Historical Commission gave provisional approval for a three-part near-term program at Wright Tavern — interior paint on painted surfaces, replacement of select lighting, and removal of two modern interior partition walls — provided the project team submits a concise scope-of-work memo documenting methods and protections.
The Concord Historical Commission on March 13 provisionally approved a short-term, three-part package of work at the Wright Tavern intended to prepare the site for community events on April 19, contingent on the project team’s submission of a detailed scope-of-work memo.
Tom Kearns, president of DSK Architects and Planners, outlined the near-term plan: interior paint limited to previously painted surfaces (no finish applied to natural or stripped wood, window sashes, or the interior faces of two exterior doors), replacement of fluorescent strip lighting with low-profile "wafer" ceiling fixtures and historically styled sconces at existing back boxes, and removal of two non-historic partition walls that formerly created an office and now block use of a proposed refreshment area.
Amy Bridal, who led color research for the project and serves on the Wright Tavern board, described paint-sample results and comparative references. "The colors which were exposed include rich shades of blue, tan, cream, goldenrod, and green," Bridal said, citing samples taken from the chimney-breast woodwork and guidance from Historic New England sources.
Commissioners pressed for strict limits on interventions. Commissioner Lauren Meyer said the commission’s priority should be minimizing any irreversible fabric damage, and Commissioner Nancy Nelson asked that the team avoid coring or routing wiring through historic fabric. Project leaders said proposed lighting changes will use existing electrical back boxes where possible and that replacement fixtures will be reversible; they said surface-mounted approaches will be used when necessary and that electricians and contractors are familiar with low-impact methods.
The commission’s provisional approval is contingent on the project team submitting a short narrative scope of work that documents paint colors and finishes, the lighting fixtures to be installed, the wiring/installation method, the contractor(s) who will perform the work, and a procedure for documenting and photographing any fabric changes and the removal of the two modern walls. The commission agreed the team may begin preparatory work and painting before the next full packet is filed, but requested the narrative be submitted within a week so staff can confirm details.
The motion carried with commissioners voting in favor of the contingent approval. Project leads said M and M Painting is slated to perform the paint work and that Full Circle Homes and other restoration advisors informed fixture selection; the team emphasized that further, more comprehensive preservation work and documentation will be presented to the commission after the April 19 event.
What’s next: the project team will submit the requested scope-of-work memo and documentation, including photos of painted surfaces, the red door evidence noted in the paint analysis, details on fixture selection and wiring methods, and a plan for how the freestanding refreshment counter will be installed without damaging historic fabric.
