Historic-district commission approves deconstruction and material reuse for 25 Hussey Street garage

The Nantucket Historic District Commission on Tuesday unanimously approved a plan to deconstruct a deteriorating garage at 25 Hussey Street and reuse the salvaged historic material in the guest house design previously approved for the property.

The decision matters because the structure — described by the applicant’s representative as a mid-20th‑century, salt‑box–shaped garage with damaged block foundation and wet interior framing — will be removed from a failing foundation and rebuilt on a new poured‑concrete foundation, with material from the original framing reused where feasible.

Joe Paul, the project agent, told the commission the existing garage has limited usable full‑height walls because of site topography and a concrete masonry unit (CMU) retaining wall; his presentation noted interior studs and rafters that the team plans to deconstruct, salvage, and incorporate into the reconstructed garage bay and mudroom sequence. “So that’s what we’re looking for,” Paul said, summarizing the application’s scope and the intent to reuse existing lumber where practical.

Mickey Rowland, representing the Historic Structures Advisory Group, recommended retaining and reusing the existing wood frame when possible rather than wholesale demolition, noting that the visible framing appeared to be in overall good condition. Holly (preservation planner, Town of Nantucket) reviewed staff comments and confirmed the application included photos of interior framing and proposed construction details for the retained garage bay.

Commission discussion centered on whether the work should be categorized as a move versus a deconstruction‑and‑reuse, and on the practical limits imposed by the property’s steep topography. Commissioners asked about foundation methods and how much of the original framing would be reused; Paul said the project team intends to deconstruct the structure, use existing material for new framing where feasible, and install a poured concrete foundation to stop water infiltration.

Commissioner Ray (chair) made the motion to approve the deconstruction with reuse consistent with the previously approved guest‑house design; the motion carried unanimously on a roll call of sitting members.

The action authorizes removal of deteriorated masonry foundation, deconstruction of non‑sound elements, reuse of salvageable historic framing members in the reconstructed garage bay, and a new poured‑concrete foundation and waterproofing to prevent future moisture damage. A certificate of appropriateness will reflect those conditions and require the applicant to document salvaged material use during construction.