Quadrangle Club withdraws roof replacement application after staff concerns

The Quadrangle Club’s application to replace terracotta roof tiles at 33 Prospect Avenue with DaVinci synthetic slate was withdrawn at the Historic Preservation Commission meeting on May 26 after staff and commissioners raised questions about whether the existing tiles are historic and whether in‑kind replacement (terracotta) should be considered.

Dominic (applicant representative) explained that maintenance concerns—brittleness of terracotta at low slope, snow loads and leaf/debris damage—motivated the proposed substitution. Sarah Quinlan’s staff report noted conflicting evidence in prior surveys about the roof material: older survey notes and a national‑register nomination described slate in some assessments, while the applicant’s documentation and closer inspection suggested square terracotta tiles could be the historic material. Staff emphasized that, under municipal ordinance and Secretary of the Interior standards, original materials should be repaired or replaced in kind unless unavailable; substitute materials must match shape and size where originals are unavailable.

Commissioners and staff advised the applicant to consult with staff to explore options (in‑kind terracotta replacement, alternative synthetic tiles designed to mimic terracotta, or additional documentation) and recommended withdrawing and resubmitting a revised application. The applicant agreed to withdraw and work with staff before returning to the commission.