Design Review Board approves several exterior projects, conditionally approves 202 Lake Avenue pillars

The Design Review Board on Nov. 19 approved a slate of routine exterior projects and a set of revisions subject to follow-up conditions.

Consent-agenda approvals: The board approved three consent items: Barber Club wall‑mounted signage at 84/488 Henry Street, a mechanical installation at 172 Caroline Street, and exterior modifications to a two‑car garage at 167 Spring Street.

Regular-agenda approvals: The board approved facade and mechanical changes at 24 5th Avenue (carriage house) after the applicant agreed to restore original windows where feasible and to use an exterior consistent with the adjacent property. The board also approved repair and gutter work at 139 Grand Avenue (half-round gutters, downspout routing) with installation guidance to minimize visual impact on character-defining trim. The board approved a complex façade revision for 9 Spa Circle after the applicants revised earlier proposals to retain key historic fabric; the board asked only for a short written confirmation that an existing garage door would remain.

Conditional approval: For 202 Lake Avenue (front-porch refinishing and proposed stone facing on pilasters), the board offered conditional approval of the overall application but required the applicant to resubmit detailed pillar materials and dimensions because multiple members found the stone facing as presented inconsistent with the home’s architectural character. A motion to approve plans with the exception of the pillars (which must be resubmitted) passed.

The board handled these items largely without public comment and closed the evening by tabling the larger 171 Church Street roof decision and addressing an enforcement matter at 66 White Farm Road.