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Board lets owner shorten and repair chimney at 125 W. Boscawen, requires profile be retained
Summary
The board approved BAR25-333 allowing chimney repairs at 125 W. Boscawen St., directing that the chimney maintain its current decorative profile though it may be shortened by several courses to address deterioration and leakage.
The Winchester City Board of Architectural Review approved work to repair and modify the chimney at 125 West Boscawen Street, with a condition that the chimney retain its existing decorative profile even if the top is shortened.
A representative for the property told the board the chimney’s top courses are failing after roughly two centuries of exposure and interior dampness. The applicant said matching historic brick may not be feasible and that the most practical fix would be to remove the failing upper courses and rebuild a shorter cap that keeps the original profile.
Board members discussed alternatives—lowering the chimney to original brick below the altered courses, rebuilding to match historic appearance, or addressing interior dampness—and emphasized avoiding a full rebuild unless necessary. Several members suggested keeping the defining profile and cap detail while shortening the height to reduce exposure to further damage.
A committee member moved to approve BAR25-333 with the stipulation that the chimney maintain its top profile (the cap and trim detail) even if it is reduced by approximately five to six bricks; the motion was seconded and the board approved the stipulation. Staff noted the work should correct leakage and restore a consistent appearance without requiring a full reconstruction.
The applicant will proceed with the repair plan consistent with the board’s profile stipulation and coordinate final methods with staff.
