Willistown historical panel recommends approval for three historic‑property alterations

The Willistown Township Historical Commission on May 5 recommended approval of alteration plans for three historic properties, voting 5‑0 on each motion during a meeting at the Township Administration Building.

Chair Bart Van Valkenburgh called the meeting to order and the commission approved the April 7 minutes before taking up three applications involving locally listed historic resources.

At 129 Davis Road, applicants Robert Berry and Laura Snead (represented by Peter Zimmerman Architects) proposed additions to the main historic mass of the 1790 John Harris House. The commission reported site investigations and reviewed more than 20 photographs. The commission read aloud an emailed opinion from member Greg Prichard regarding the garage/tenant structure and adjacent barn. The commission moved, and passed, a recommendation of approval with a proviso that the architects “discuss the possibility of saving and repurposing the garage/tenant structure and that if the structure is razed, full documentation, architectural as‑built plans with elevations, photographs, and any archeological discoveries must be provided to the Historical Commission for their records.” The motion was made by Bart Van Valkenburgh and seconded by Terry Kile and passed 5‑0.

For 944 Garrett Mill Road, Peter Zimmerman Architects presented a plan to remove and replace the western family room and add a 1½‑story family/living room and a one‑story mudroom to the 1800 Samuel Bell House. Architect Tyson Chamberlain presented the demolition and replacement plan; the commission agreed the plans were acceptable and recommended approval. The motion (moved by Warren Claytor, seconded by Terry Kile) passed 5‑0.

At 7037 Goshen Road, owners Brandon and Andrea Kauffman presented a dormer that had already been added to the rear façade of the 1810 John Massey House. Staff noted the owners intend a broader master plan that will include additional exterior work, a detached garage and driveway reconfiguration; interior renovations are outside the Historical Commission’s scope. The commission recommended approval of the dormer as constructed and advised the owners to contract with a licensed architect for future exterior designs. The motion (Claytor/Kile) passed 5‑0.

The commission’s approvals carry typical advisory weight for the township’s preservation review process; in the first application the commission required documentation and exploration of reuse before any demolition of the garage/tenant structure.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.; the commission’s next regular meeting is scheduled for June 2, 2026.