Sudbury historical commission approves barn demolition at 85 Raymond Road with preservation conditions

The Sudbury Historical Commission on Sept. 17 approved a demolition plan for the barn at 85 Raymond Road, finding the structure “need not be considered preferably preserved” provided the applicant accepts specified design conditions.

Chair Chris Hager moved the formal determination after hearing from applicant Scott Warden, who described the attached barn as having no foundation, lead paint and structurally failing members. Warden told commissioners he and his architect had concluded rehabilitation to current code was not feasible and that the contractor will carefully dismantle the barn and salvage materials when practical. “It is our full intent … to reuse as much as possible of the salvageable material,” Warden said.

Hager’s motion required two changes agreed to by the applicant: installation of wood, true-divided 2-over-2 windows to match the house and replacement of the street-facing barn side door with a door “similar to the existing barn door” rather than a raised six-panel entry. The commission discussed wording to preserve the applicant’s procurement flexibility but leave enforceable guidance for the building inspector.

The motion passed unanimously among the four commissioners present. Hager said he will notify the building inspector of the commission’s finding so the applicant may proceed toward a building permit.

The vote followed a public hearing that included a site inspection and review of architectural renderings. Commissioners asked for documentation from building professionals where unusual safety or emergency exemptions are invoked; the applicant said the building inspector had advised emergency demolition permits are difficult to secure unless a building is visibly failing in the moment.

Next steps: the building inspector will be copied on the commission’s finding and the applicant may proceed with permit applications subject to the agreed conditions.