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Newport Historical Society seeks accessible entry at Brick Market; commission approves
Summary
The commission approved revised storefront and accessibility work at the Brick Market (Museum of Newport History), including relocating the front door and creating a 5%‑slope ADA walkway using existing brick pavers; the applicant said the museum serves about 35,000–40,000 visitors annually.
Rebecca Bertrand, Executive Director of the Newport Historical Society, presented revised plans for the Brick Market (Museum of Newport History) at 365 (Same) Street, asking the commission to approve replacement of damaged storefront glass, relocation of the front door to the right bay, and construction of an ADA‑compliant walkway under the existing portico. "Creating a dignified code compliant entrance for all visitors is a central mission to our project," Bertrand said, and she estimated the museum serves about "35 to 40,000 visitors every year."
Commissioners asked technical questions about a 4.5‑inch step noted on the drawings and suggested a limited sloped concrete infill in the arches to avoid a tripping hazard. The applicant and architect described a sloped walkway that will be flush‑appearing and reversible, using the site's existing brick pavers and no new visible changes to the street elevation. The preservation planner confirmed the work was designed to meet Secretary of the Interior standards where applicable. The commission moved to approve the application citing Newport Standard 17 with supporting tech references; the motion carried by voice vote.
The approval includes the brick floor being removed and relaid to create a level floor and an ADA‑compliant ramp and handrails within the portico; the commission recorded that the visible street character will remain unchanged.
