Commission recommends reconstruction of Sarah Riley Hooks Cottage; staff estimates under 5% of original material is salvageable

At the Feb. 5 meeting the commission recommended that the UDO administrator approve the town-led reconstruction of the Sarah Riley Hooks Cottage at 76 Bridal Street. Staff presented historic background and consultant work, explained that the town purchased the property in December 2020, and said consultants and inspections indicate very limited salvageable fabric remains in the structure.

The historic preservationist leading the presentation summarized prior reviews and explained that the proposal seeks to retain and reuse whatever historic material is structurally sound and recoverable while reconstructing a new building that replicates the historic core and meets current building codes. Regarding how much of the existing house could be reused, staff said, "At this point, it appears very little will be able to be utilized... It's probably gonna be less than 5% based on current condition." This estimate was offered as staff’s professional judgment given observed structural and pest damage.

The commission discussed the project’s scope and the role of the UDO administrator (who will make the final decision). A motion to recommend approval of demolition and reconstruction — with the expectation that salvaged material will be reused where feasible and that project work will conform to Secretary of the Interior standards and the Old Town master plan — passed by voice vote. The recommendation and commissioners’ comments will be transmitted to the UDO administrator for final action.