Historic District Commission approves kiosks, addition at 175 Fleet Street

The Portsmouth Historic District Commission voted Jan. 7 to approve construction of a one-story rear addition, two food kiosks, fencing, landscaping and associated site work at 175 Fleet Street.

Architect Tracy Kak, representing the applicant, said the team moved Kiosk 1 toward the south corner of the lot to open views of the historic Gillies sign and changed kiosk cladding to composite panels to better match existing colors. "We moved kiosk one ... to open up the view more of the existing Gillies from Fleet Street," Kak told the commission.

Commissioners asked technical questions about gas meter relocation, kitchen venting and the siting of transformer/generator equipment tied to the city’s broader Fleet Street infrastructure work. Kak said gas meters will be relocated to the back of a new bathroom addition and that final vent hood placement will be determined once kitchen equipment is located. On transformers, the applicants said siting depends on work coordinated with the city and Eversource; sizes are not finalized but will fit the footprint shown on the plans.

Public commenter Elizabeth Brader, a nearby property owner, said she welcomed the revised design and supported the project’s plan to retain low plantings so the Gillies sign remains visible. Commissioners praised the design for preserving the street’s character and voted to approve the application.

The commission asked applicants to finalize transformer and generator details and noted those components may shift slightly as utility partners finalize specifications. Construction timing and final mechanical details were not specified at the hearing.