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Architects present rehabilitation plan for Butler House on Elm Street; commission gives preliminary support
Summary
Kuhn Riddle Architects sought informal feedback on a design for the Butler (AB) House at 313 Elm Street that would relocate vehicle access to Vernon Street, restore the carriage house and replace some windows with historically sensitive Pella units; commissioners praised the approach but raised questions about gate scale and visibility.
Architect Clark Pierce Gamble, representing Kuhn Riddle Architects, briefed the Northampton Historical Commission on conceptual plans for the Butler (AB) House in the Elm Street Historic District during the Jan. 20 meeting. The presentation was an informal review — the commission is able to offer nonbinding advice before a formal certificate of appropriateness application.
Gamble described major moves intended to improve safety and functionality while retaining historic character: relocate the driveway from Elm Street to Vernon Street, tuck a new two‑bay garage behind the house with a breezeway connector, restore the existing carriage house for interior use (a gym and supporting functions), and convert an underused 1990s screen porch into a mudroom and water closet. "The intent is to try to harmonize the different structures and different elements," Gamble said.
The proposal would preserve much of the site’s mature landscape and masonry boundary wall while using a brick material palette, soldier course lintels, and a slate roof that the team said would match the house’s period character. The firm also proposed installing Pella Reserve wood‑clad replacement windows described as accepted by the National Park Service for historic integrity.
Commissioners generally praised the design. "This is a very nice design — really smart, really nice upgrade," Commissioner Hannah said, noting familiarity with the house and support for the courtyard and garage reconfiguration. Several commissioners said the plan would make the structure more usable for modern life while retaining key character‑defining features.
Commission comments focused on the Elm Street frontage and visual impact. The chair and others asked the architects to reconsider the proposed vehicular gate's perceived width and prominence from Vernon Street; one commissioner said, "that gate seems... very prominent," and suggested exploring darker colors or adjusted proportions so the gate would recede visually. Architects said they will document piers and fencing more clearly and consider color and material choices to reduce visual intrusion.
The architects clarified technical points: some windows were replaced in 2022 (partial replacements), the carriage house has a subpanel and water access for the pool, and the team plans to upgrade mechanical systems as part of restoration. The presenters expect to submit a formal application in February for a March hearing (the commission requires 30 days’ notice for materials to be posted). Commissioners encouraged the team to further document original windows and explore restoration where feasible.
