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Commission reviews 6-unit infill proposal at 105 Beale Street, requests additional cornice and fenestration details
Summary
Architects presented schematic plans for a new three-and-a-half–story, six-unit building at 105 Beale Street; the commission offered design recommendations—stronger cornice, a pronounced separation between first and second floors, and clarified window and canopy details—and asked for final elevations and materials at a later hearing.
Architects seeking approval for a new six-unit residential building at 105 Beale Street presented schematic plans to the Historic Landmarks Preservation Commission on Jan. 9 and received a package of design recommendations.
Robin Belvinson of Al Foundry Architecture described a proposed three-and-a-half–story building with an ADA-accessible ground-floor unit, basement storage, and a parapet roof intended to reduce perceived height. The project team said the building has been through the Planning Board and that the presentation sought early design guidance from the commission before finalizing exterior materials and details.
Commissioners generally supported the massing and neighborhood fit but asked the design team to return with clearer final elevations and dimensional cornice details. Andrea Kutes and other commissioners recommended a stronger cornice to create a greater shadow line, and an additional horizontal separation between the first and second floors to reduce perceived bulk. Commissioners asked the architect to specify window configurations and materials; staff noted that final window and door specifications should be submitted (wood windows were discussed as typical in the historic district, but aluminum‑clad or metal-clad options were noted as possible under code).
The commission also raised an archeological concern. Commissioners and staff said prior test pits and earlier studies indicate high archaeological sensitivity in the area and asked that a qualified archaeologist monitor significant excavations for the planned full-height basement. The applicant confirmed test-pit results and agreed to provide existing reports to the commission and to coordinate an archaeologist for excavation monitoring.
Mark Grumblatt moved that the commission forward recommendations emphasizing additional cornice detailing, an added dimensional line above the third-floor windows, and final elevation choices; Robert Tommy seconded the motion and the roll call vote was unanimous in favor.
The commission’s action was advisory: commissioners did not issue a certificate of appropriateness at this schematic stage but requested that final elevation plans and material specifications be submitted to staff and the commission for final approval.
