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Historical commission allows rear-roof asphalt replacement at 246 Burncoat Street, urges retention of front facade
Summary
The City of Worcester Historical Commission on July 9 approved a demolition-delay waiver allowing only the rear ell roof at 246 Burncoat Street to be replaced with color‑matched asphalt architectural shingles while urging retention or replication of the original street‑facing cedar roof to preserve the building’s historic character.
Jack Zemer, a project manager for MPOWER Energy Solutions and Apex Construction Services, told the City of Worcester Historical Commission that the cedar-shake roof at 246 Burncoat Street is deteriorated and that the owners want a durable roof that will enable future solar panels. "We're proposing to replace the cedar shake roof with GAF premium impact‑resistant architectural shingles," Zemer said, adding the UHDZ line carries a "50‑year warranty" and mimics a weathered wood shingle.
Commissioners pressed for alternatives that would protect the street‑facing historic character. Chair Anna Santos Restivo said she was reluctant to approve asphalt across the primary facade: "I don't think it would go in your favor this evening," she said, noting the commission's priority is the front elevation.
After extended discussion about costs and solar-compatibility of synthetic cedar and options to limit visual impact, the commission moved and approved a demolition‑delay waiver limited to replacing the rear ell roofing with asphalt architectural shingles "as close as a color match as possible to the front existing cedar shingle." The motion was adopted by roll-call vote. Commissioners said the front roof, which faces the street, should be retained or replaced with a material that preserves the historic appearance.
Staff told the applicant the commission will issue a written decision within two weeks specifying permitted work; that decision will be attached to the building permit before any replacement work can proceed.
Why it matters: The commission balanced preservation of a historically significant street‑facing facade with homeowners’ concerns about longevity and the feasibility of installing solar, approving a limited remedy for the most compromised portion of the roof while reserving stricter treatment for the primary elevation.
