HDC approves move‑demo requests at 4 Van Fleet; proposed new dwelling held for revisions

The Nantucket Historic District Commission on April 15 approved two move‑demo requests at 4 Van Fleet and cleared a separate guest house application, but held the proposal for a new main dwelling for design revisions. The commission asked the applicant to lower the new house's perceived roof height and provide clearer ridge‑pole and roof‑line studies.

Agent Chip Webster told the panel he had “a party to take it as a move,” but requested a move‑demo approval in case relocation proved unavailable. Commissioners said the existing primary structure and a small guest house on the lot are noncontributing and approved move‑demo requests so the buildings may be relocated; the guest house permit was approved as submitted. The commission recorded votes in favor of the moves and the guest house approval.

For the proposed new dwelling, Chip presented a design of three staggered masses set deep on the parcel. Commissioners raised repeated concerns about the new home's overall ridge height and large picture windows on lower roof planes. Several commissioners asked that the design reduce the highest ridge by approximately two feet, show more varied ridge heights and present visual ridge‑pole studies to judge visibility from nearby vantage points. Commissioners also recommended the applicant reduce oversized door and window heights and provide clearer roof plans and view analyses for the next submission.

Outcome: move‑demo approvals were recorded and the new dwelling was held for revisions; the applicant agreed to return with amended drawings for the commission's old‑business agenda and to provide clearer visual studies of roof heights and visibility.