The Historic Resources Commission on an administrative motion approved a plan to add a two‑story addition with a glass connector to link a settlement house and an adjacent townhouse at 31 and 15 Trinity Place, contingent on final sign‑off from the State Historic Preservation Office.

Commission staff recommended approval with conditions after the applicant described a project that retains the townhouse, demolishes and rebuilds an existing annex, and locates the new main entrance in a glass connector to provide accessible ramps and a new emergency stair. The planned program includes a food pantry/café, commercial kitchen, multipurpose rooms, offices for partner organizations and expanded accessible circulation between levels.

The applicant said many windows on the south facade were replaced with vinyl in the 1970s or 1980s and will be removed and replaced with “historically sensitive windows” (Marvin Ultimates). The applicant also told commissioners that some original wood windows may be reused as interior windows once enclosed by the addition. Materials described for the addition included a light‑colored brick, dark‑bronze window finish and a natural stone water table so the new work “speaks for itself” and does not attempt to mimic the historic fabric.

Planning staff asked that the commission condition approval on submission of finalized SHPO technical‑preservation unit approvals, including detailed sections and elevations for the proposed windows. Staff reiterated that the building is a contributing structure in the Mansion Historic District and that the SHPO review must be complete before the COA becomes final.

Commissioners and members of the public who commented described the design as “handsome” and said the addition is compatible with the streetscape; no public speaker opposed the overall proposal. The commission voted to approve the certificate of appropriateness as recommended, with the SHPO technical approvals required as a condition.

The approval allows window replacement, repair and the new connector to proceed once the applicant supplies the required SHPO documentation. The commission did not place additional conditions on the brick color beyond the staff recommendation.

The applicant and staff said they will return if further changes are needed and will supply the SHPO sign‑off documents before the permit process continues.