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Norwich commission approves Otis Street rehab with conditions to protect historic features
Summary
The Norwich Historic District Commission on July 15 approved COA 6113739 for 37–39 Otis Street, allowing the owner to rehabilitate the fire-damaged building while requiring like-for-like materials, preservation of the original roof line and chimney, and concealed HVAC. The vote was unanimous.
The Norwich Historic District Commission voted unanimously on July 15 to approve Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) 6113739 for 37–39 Otis Street, clearing the way for the owner to rehabilitate a fire-damaged multi-family building with conditions intended to preserve its historic character.
Applicant Gabriel Kimmy told the commission he owns the property and that a fire last year “resulted in loss of 2 lives.” He said he worked with a structural engineer and a contractor and that the engineer determined the remaining structure is suitable for rehabilitation rather than demolition. “My goal has always been to restore the property back to where it was,” Gabriel said during the public hearing.
Commission members pressed for specificity about exterior materials and character-defining elements. Members noted the contractor’s scope of work describes repairing exterior wall framing, replacing damaged siding with materials matching the historic appearance, and restoring porches and trim. Commissioners and the applicant discussed gutters, clapboard siding, roofing materials, and replacement windows; Gabriel said he plans to replace clapboard “with the clapboard” and will provide further specifications as needed.
The commission and the applicant also discussed HVAC and lead concerns. Gabriel said earlier heating had been oil and electric and that he was considering mini-split systems; the commission said prior approvals have allowed condensers when they are screened or located out of public view. On windows, members advised Gabriel to consult the city Community Development Office and the building department on lead abatement and suggested historically appropriate wood replacement windows as an alternative to disturbing lead-containing components.
To balance the need to move repairs forward for the building’s residents with the commission’s preservation standards, Commissioner Dean moved to amend the approval to include explicit stipulations. The amended approval requires the contractor to use like-for-like materials; preserve the original roof line and chimney; conceal or screen any installed HVAC equipment with appropriate shrubbery or locate it behind the house; and preserve architectural details consistent with the Norwich Historic District Commission design guidelines and historic materials. The amendment was seconded and passed by unanimous roll call.
The commission noted the building department will monitor structural work and has mechanisms such as stop-work orders if the project departs from the approved scope. Gabriel said his Part 2 SHPO (State Historic Preservation Office) tax-credit application is under review and that he will coordinate with SHPO and the commission if any regulatory overlap arises. He also said an inspection was scheduled for Friday at 2:30 p.m. and that he planned to apply for permits following that inspection.
The commission’s decision was announced that night; members indicated the commission would provide written notice of the outcome to the applicant the next business day.
