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Partners Bank unveils façade rehabilitation plan for 501 Islington; commission receptive to thin-set brick veneer option
Summary
Lassel Architects presented a façade rehabilitation for 501 Islington Street proposing removal of an EIFS-like skin, selective brick exposure and thin-set brick veneer over insulated sheathing, new windows and revised third-floor cladding; commissioners supported the direction and asked for refinement of cornice, fixture scale and possible street-facing entry.
PORTSMOUTH — Architects for Partners Bank presented a comprehensive façade rehabilitation plan for 501 Islington Street at a May 6 work session, proposing to remove an exterior skin and restore or replicate brick piers with a thin-set brick veneer over insulated sheathing, replace storefront windows with fiberglass units, and revise the third-floor cladding to read as a lighter mass above a brick base.
Sarah (Lassel Architects) told the commission her team has found the existing brick behind the exterior skin to be in mixed condition and said a thin-set real-brick veneer over a ZIP-type sheathing and rigid insulation could achieve the desired historic appearance while improving thermal and moisture management. “We were able to find an image of the existing building from the Ananam,” she said while explaining the historic industrial character that the team hopes to restore.
Commissioners expressed broad support for returning the building to a more brick-forward appearance while asking the design team to consider more substantial lighting fixtures scaled to the long façade, to refine the sloping metal top to read as a cornice, and to explore whether a clearer, pedestrian-oriented entry on Islington is feasible without compromising security or ADA access. Several commissioners urged careful exploratory removal of the existing skin because of the uncertain condition of underlying brick.
The project team will return for further work‑session review with materials samples, refined cornice/roof details and additional study of a potential sidewalk entry, and staff encouraged the team to pursue site testing that documents existing brick condition before final design decisions are made.
