The Somersworth Historic District Commission on July 23, 2025, approved a certificate of appropriateness allowing Smith Cove Holdings LLC to replace the exterior siding, install insert windows and replace the front entry at 9–11 Lincoln Street, voting 5-0.

The approval permits replacement of the existing vinyl siding with approximately 4-inch CertainTeed Monogram clabboard in colonial white, replacement of window sashes with Marvin insert windows that “mimic the 2-over-1 divided light” on the street-facing facade, removal of existing storm windows, and installation of a six‑panel fiberglass front door. The commission required that the existing exterior door frame and sidelights be repaired, not replaced, and granted the applicant permission on a best-efforts basis to restore or add trim—at least on the front facade—if such trim is present or can be reconstructed. Existing wrapped soffit and roof‑edge trim are to remain as-is.

Sam Smith, identified in the record as the owner of Smith Cove Holdings LLC and the applicant for the project, described the building as “a 4 unit multifamily residence” and said the owners were “committed to making thoughtful, you know, long term investments in the building.” He told the commission the project is intended to address widespread deterioration—he estimated the existing siding to be about 40 years old—and to improve energy efficiency and tenant comfort through insert windows and code‑compliant egress units. Smith described the proposed siding as “CertainTeed monogram, 4 inch clabbard and colonial white” and said the product has a grain appearance intended to better reflect the building’s historic character.

Commission members focused most of their discussion on preserving the building’s remaining character elements. Commissioner Miss Schoen objected to replacing the existing door surround with a flush fiberglass unit, saying, “I’m not inclined to let you fiberglass that whole thing,” and pressed the applicant to retain the existing sidelights and frame. Commissioner Gwen said she agreed with that view and added, “I’d much rather see that historic trim... I don’t think I would vote to replace that with fiberglass.” In response, Smith said he was open to retaining or restoring the wood sidelights and using a six‑panel fiberglass door leaf for improved durability and efficiency; the commission’s approval permits a six‑panel fiberglass door provided the exterior frame and divided-light sidelights are repaired rather than removed.

The commission also clarified technical aspects of the window work: the approved insert windows will fit into the existing frames (rather than altering openings), will retain the 2-over-1 divided-light appearance on the street facade, and the approved egress units will be sized and operated as required by code. Board members noted that removing exterior storm windows may make the simulated divided lights more visible from the street and that the commission favors visual consistency across openings.

At the start of the meeting the commission approved the minutes for April 23 and May 28, 2025, by a separate 5-0 vote. Planning staff reported two projects of minimal impact for July—an in-kind roof and trim repair on one property and an in-kind roof repair at 9–11 Lincoln Street—that had been processed administratively; the full COA application for 9–11 Lincoln Street formed the substantive discussion and the formal vote.

The applicant asked whether the detached garage behind the main house could be included; staff advised that if the applicant changes openings or circulation on the garage, a separate submittal would be required. The commission indicated the applicant may consult planning staff and, if work on the garage is limited to siding consistent with the house, staff review may suffice. The commission also heard brief administrative items, including a plaques workshop scheduled for Aug. 7 and an item about resuming minute-taking by the commission.

Action on 9–11 Lincoln Street was recorded as approved with the conditions summarized above; the motion and the subsequent read-back of conditions are part of the meeting record.