TD Bank storefront revisions continued after commission requests product cut sheets

PORTSMOUTH — The Portsouth Historic District Commission continued a proposed exterior alteration at 333 State Street (Portsouth Savings Bank / TD Bank) on May 6, after requesting product cut sheets and more detailed drawings.

Thomas Michael, TD Bank’s senior manager for New England development, explained the multi‑year renovation of the building and said the current application would replace worn exterior doors with factory-painted composite or aluminum doors designed to mimic wood and to improve security. “We would provide we can provide cut sheets on the actual door materials themselves as well as the hardware,” the applicant said.

Commissioners expressed support for matching the existing divided‑light appearance but said they needed to see actual product samples and cut sheets to confirm that proposed composite or aluminum doors would sufficiently replicate the building’s historic character. Board members also discussed proper brick infill technique for converting a door opening to a window and whether the brick should be toothed in or inset to preserve visual integrity.

Given the missing product documentation in the application packet and some discrepancies between plan sets, the commission voted to continue the hearing to the next monthly meeting so the applicant could submit cut sheets, photographs of sample doors, and final material details. Planning staff will post a revised filing once the additional materials have been received.

The commission indicated partial approval may be possible for relatively straightforward items (such as brick infill) if adequate details are submitted, while door replacements that alter material or light pattern will require clear documentation.