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Commission approves off‑white historic paint and operable shutters for 15 Fair Street with staff review of finish sheen
Summary
The commission approved an application for 15 Fair Street to restore an historic off‑white exterior, use an Essex‑green trim/shutter color and a low‑sheen finish, and to install operable shutters consistent with historic photographs.
The Nantucket Historic District Commission approved plans to repaint 15 Fair Street in a historically appropriate off‑white, restore operable shutters to match an 1890s photograph, and use an Essex‑green trim and door color with a non‑high‑gloss finish.
Val Oliver, the applicant’s agent, presented historical photography showing the house with paired center shutters and darker trim and said the owners want to restore the building’s late‑19th‑century appearance rather than a stark modern white. Holly (preservation planner, Town of Nantucket) advised the commission that historic white lead paints produced a softer, warmer white than modern titanium‑dioxide formulations and recommended an off‑white sample rather than a bright contemporary white. “Historically, white paint was made actually with white lead that produced a softer white with a bright, slight brownish and grayish hint,” Holly said, describing how pre‑20th‑century whites differ from contemporary bright whites.
Commissioners discussed operable shutter logistics for the wide central window and concluded that operable shutters should be installed only where a historically documented arrangement works; the commission instructed the applicant to ensure shutters are operable on the sidelights and to return with a solution for the wide center opening if necessary. Commissioners also asked staff to approve an historic off‑white paint sample and a low‑to‑moderate sheen (eggshell or similar) rather than a high‑gloss finish.
Commissioner Abby moved to approve the proposal with conditions that the shutters be operable where historically correct, that the front door and shutters be Essex‑green as proposed, and that staff approve an off‑white historic paint sample and a low sheen. The motion carried unanimously.
The COA will require a sample board showing the off‑white and the trim/shutter green and will specify a low‑gloss exterior finish; staff will confirm operability or acceptable alternate shutter detailing during permit review.
