Commission issues leave to withdraw for 10 Diamond Street; applicant proposes new 4‑story affordable housing

The Worcester Historical Commission voted Oct. 9 that 10 Diamond Street in the Vernon Hill Historic District no longer retains sufficient integrity for listing in the National Register of Historic Places and issued a leave to withdraw without prejudice.

Mark Borenstein, attorney for Kensington Management LLC, and trustee Josh Gavel told the commission the building was condemned by the fire department for structural failures — including foundation and beam problems — and that professionals concluded the structure is unsafe. Borenstein said Kensington has planning board and Zoning Board of Appeals approvals for a new four‑story, approximately 18,220‑square‑foot multifamily building with 18 units and 16 parking spaces; the applicant described the new building as including affordable units.

Commissioners and staff reviewed imagery and condition reports presented by the applicant. Staff and commissioners noted the property has vinyl siding, replacement windows and a relatively new roof that was put on soon after Kensington acquired the property in 2017‑2018; the applicant said occupancy continued into about 2020‑2021. Commissioners asked about changes over time and whether any original historic fabric remained; the applicant and staff said the building’s exterior envelope showed alterations and interior water and structural damage and that no intact original historic features were evident.

Some commissioners and public commenters expressed concern about the scale of the proposed new building and the potential loss of vegetation on the lot; the staff reminded attendees that the commission’s specific task at this hearing was the National Register integrity determination. After public comment was closed, the commission voted to find the property lacks sufficient integrity for listing and issued a leave to withdraw without prejudice. The roll call recorded one dissenting vote.