Commission approves barn-style studio at 111 Farm Lane after demolition approval

The South Dennis Historic District Commission voted July 16 to allow demolition of the existing dwelling at 111 Farm Lane and to approve plans for a new barn-style studio to be sited farther from the floodplain.

Architect recorded in the transcript as "Joseph w ****" described the project as a two-lot reconfiguration that will connect lot 107 and lot 111, remove the older dwelling on lot 111, and build a 40-by-60-foot barn that will serve as an artist'studio above and a car barn below. He said the proposal reduces septic loading by tying the barn to the existing septic on the neighboring lot and that a salvage company will reclaim usable materials before demolition.

"We're proposing to remove the house that's on 111, pull back from the flood zone and build a barn studio," Joseph W. said, adding that the design uses traditional materials including Alaskan yellow cedar shingles, red cedar roofing and a fieldstone base.

Commissioners reviewed elevations and materials, asked for clarification on grading between adjacent houses to minimize ramp lengths and requested a landscape plan showing proposed tree removal and replacement plantings. The architect said he is coordinating with a landscape architect and that conservation has approved the path relocation and other mitigation elements.

The commission moved and approved the demolition application and then accepted the new-construction application with conditions that cut sheets and the final landscape/grading plan be submitted, and that materials match the samples presented or return for review. The approvals were unanimous among the commissioners present.

Next steps: the applicant will file the requested cut sheets, confirm window schedules and provide final landscape details to staff for administrative check or further review.