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HRC approves demolition and new house at 1022 Connecticut with stone-faced visual platform condition
Summary
The Historic Resources Commission approved demolition of a deteriorated house at 1022 Connecticut Street and a new single-family design, conditioned on adding a stone-faced visual platform; the vote was 4-0.
The Lawrence Historic Resources Commission on Feb. 20 approved a certificate of appropriateness to demolish the existing house at 1022 Connecticut Street and construct a new single-dwelling residence, provided the new building includes a stone-faced visual platform.
Lynn Braddock Zollner, historic resources administrator, told commissioners the house dates from between about 1920 and 1930, retains original wood windows, and contributes to the context area around the August Wall House, but is in “a significant state of disrepair.” Staff and a structural report by Hernley Associates concluded the building had foundation and structural failures that would effectively require replacement of the structure.
The applicant’s proposal showed a roughly 1,100-square-foot footprint, a full-width front porch and vertically proportioned windows to match neighborhood character. Staff recommended approval, noting the new design’s massing and materials are compatible with the context area. During discussion commissioners asked whether stone or decorative porch elements could be salvaged; staff said the stone foundation is too deteriorated for structural reuse but might be suitable as facing and that the applicant was willing to give away intact elements such as windows and porch trim.
Katie Walsh of the East Lawrence Neighborhood Association spoke in public comment and said the neighborhood was “very sad” to see the modest home come down but endorsed the new design’s front porch and window placement. Commissioner Klein moved approval with the condition that the house be given a stone-faced visual platform; the motion passed 4-0 (Commissioner Klein, Commissioner Buchanan, Commissioner Cunningham and Chair Joy Coleman voting aye).
The certificate of approval was conditioned in accordance with chapter 22 standards; staff will administer the condition and perform final review of materials and the visual platform.
