Historic preservation commission approves exterior work but denies auditorium tiering; planning commission denies seating variance for 518 N. Main (The Gatherin

Two Newton boards reviewed renovation plans for 518 North Main — the Fox Theater / The Gathering — on Sept. 8. The Historic Preservation Commission approved exterior facade repairs but denied a proposal to add tiered floors in the auditorium, while the Planning Commission denied a variance request that would have permitted more than the code’s limit for unfixed seating.

The Gathering representatives said the church is growing and needs flexible, multiuse floor space. Church representatives (Greg, identified as executive pastor; Jordan Volker, contractor; and Brandon Eck, associate pastor) described plans to add two tiered levels to the auditorium so the room can accommodate both lecture-style seating and tables for small-group gatherings. They said the current auditorium layout and exits would be improved by the proposed work and that chairs currently used are locking, stackable chairs rather than loose folding chairs.

Planning staff and building-code reviewers cited the 2018 International Building Code (IBC) and related guidance: tiered or sloped assembly surfaces carrying more than 200 unfixed chairs generally require fixed seating; occupancy and the presence or absence of fire suppression (sprinklers) affect code triggers for sprinkler systems and egress requirements. Staff’s review noted the last major interior approval (2015) showed fixed seating; the room’s current nonfixed seating and the proposed tiering raise life-safety questions, particularly because the auditorium lacks a sprinkler system.

At the Planning Commission hearing on the variance for 518 North Main, staff and commissioners discussed occupant load, egress, and when code upgrades (including sprinklers) are triggered by renovation. After discussion, a commissioner moved to deny the variance request because it did not meet required standards; the motion carried by voice vote.

At the Historic Preservation Commission, staff recommended approving exterior façade work (cleaning and refurbishing the stainless-steel decorative frame, repairing the substructure and replacing deteriorated cedar) because those actions would not destroy the building’s historic character and would match materials where replacement is necessary. The HPC approved the exterior work and subsequently voted to deny the interior tiering proposal, stating the sloped floor is a defining historic characteristic of the theater and that leveling or tiering the floor would damage character-defining features.

Commissioners and staff advised the applicants to work with city staff on alternatives that address safety and the church’s programmatic needs—such as exploring sprinkler installation or other egress improvements—before returning with revised plans.