Historical commission backs tax-credit application for Museum Park Apartments (former Hotel Stonehaven)

The Springfield City Historical Commission voted to provide a letter of support for Wynn Development’s application to the Massachusetts Historical Commission for the rehabilitation of the building known historically as the Hotel Stonehaven and today as Museum Park Apartments.

The commission’s decision will allow Wynn Development to complete its state review package required for federal review. A project representative told the commission the MHC submission was filed on 01/15/2025 and that the city can expect MHC feedback in April, with a subsequent review by the National Park Service in mid to late May. The representative said the work will include masonry repointing, replacement of windows with historically appropriate configurations, canopy replacement and a new roof, and interior updates to finish and mechanical systems while retaining original stair and some interior finishes.

The commission’s letter is intended to fulfill a paperwork requirement for MHC review. The applicant said the project team will try to document an intact fallout shelter in the subbasement and coordinate preservation documentation if the commission or local groups want access. The commission chair and members said they considered the submission and, with no discussion raising adverse-impact concerns, moved to provide the letter of support. Commissioners recorded affirmative votes to issue the local support letter.

Background presented by the applicant notes the building was constructed in 1929 (advertising materials indicate 1929–1932) and was later associated with Sheraton in the 1930s. The building underwent major midcentury changes and a condominium conversion in the 1980s; Wynn Development acquired the property in 2002 and has since converted most units back to rental apartments. The applicant described the current work as an update to finishes, energy-efficient mechanicals and historically sensitive exterior repairs rather than major alterations to massing or original fabric.

Commissioners agreed the project warrants local support for the MHC nomination process and voted to provide the requested letter; the applicant said it will return if further action is needed as the MHC/National Park Service reviews the nomination and the project’s Part 2 application.