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Board reapproves stabilization and restoration plan for 88 North Main; favors wood shutters as default
Summary
Architects presented a plan to lift and stabilize the two‑story historic portion at 88 North Main and rebuild a later L‑wing; the board approved the project with conditions including sandstone veneer, Pella Reserve 6/6 windows, and wood shutters for preservation‑in‑kind, while allowing the applicant to later present composite shutter samples for review.
Hudson 'The Architectural & Historic Board of Review on Feb. 25 reapproved a previously permitted project at 88 North Main with conditions aimed at retaining historic fabric and using historically appropriate materials.
Staff said the project received board approval on Oct. 25, 2023, but that prior approval had expired; the current applicant sought reapproval to lift the main two‑story portion, install new foundations with helical piles and poured concrete walls, remove a nonoriginal single‑story L‑wing and later reconstruct it in the original form, and replace severely deteriorated elements. "The historic building on‑site was originally built in 1840," one architect said, summarizing the goal to "save it from collapsing" by lifting the frame onto a new floor structure while salvaging items such as half‑round copper gutters.
Architects Joseph Matava and Elizabeth Swearingen of Peninsula Architects described plans for new wood siding matching original exposure, Pella Reserve 6/6 double‑hung windows in original openings, and limestone veneer for exposed foundation walls. They asked whether the board would permit a high‑density composite shutter that resembles wood and has proven performance in nearby projects, offering to bring side‑by‑side samples of wood and composite.
Several board members emphasized preservation standards. One member cited the preservation briefs and said, "In kind would be wood," arguing replacement in kind where possible and cautioning against an overlarge program of new finishes that could make the structure read as new rather than historic. Staff and board members noted much of the building frame and roof would be retained and reinforced, but that the L‑wing was judged nonoriginal and would need removal to facilitate foundation work.
After a brief discussion about the feasibility of moving the structure and the vulnerability of the existing slate roof during the move, a motion carried to approve the project with the specified conditions: sandstone (limestone) veneer on exposed foundation walls, Pella Traditional Reserve 6/6 windows, and wood shutters as the presumptive material, with the applicant permitted to return with physical shutter samples for the board's consideration.
The approval was made by voice vote; board members confirmed staff may circulate existing shutter samples the city holds before the applicant orders replacements.
