Commission splits Newport Historical Society application — temporary banners approved, arcade infill and vestibule continued

The Newport Historic District Commission on May 12 split the application from the Newport Historical Society and the city for work at 365 Thames Street: the commission approved the temporary banners for the museum’s opening but continued consideration of the front elevation, the proposed vestibule and replacement signage to the June meeting, scheduling a site visit in the interim.

Thad Siemasco, the architect on the project, described the work as primarily a reversible glass infill and a perpendicular glass vestibule added to create an airlock and to achieve ADA access. "We purposely set the glass back...we purposely kept it as thin as we could so that this does feel like you can see the art… and not the glass," Siemasco said.

Rebecca Bertrand, identified during the hearing as the Newport Historical Society’s executive director, told commissioners the society has a 30‑year lease and stressed the need for a climate seal and more accessible exhibition space. "All of these restorations ... are being paid for by the historical society, not by the city," Bertrand said. She also said the society is planning an opening and the banners are to help wayfind and publicize the museum.

Several commissioners objected to the concept of infilling the open arcade. One commissioner said, "I would argue that there should be no infill...That front elevation should be left alone," arguing that the arcade’s open air quality is an important historic element. Others suggested there are ways to meet accessibility needs without enclosing the arcade fully.

Because commissioners differed on the front elevation and the degree of enclosure appropriate for the arcade, the panel voted to split the application: temporary banners were approved as presented; the remainder (vestibule, infill, and side signage) was continued to the June meeting and a site visit was scheduled. The commission suggested the applicant provide additional detail on finish materials (spandrel glass and storefront framing), ADA clearance at the top of the ramp and consideration of alternatives that would avoid full enclosure of the arcade.

The commission also noted the museum’s representation that the restoration work and new exhibits are privately funded by the historical society and that the society projects a substantial number of annual visitors once reopened.