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Commission allows reconstruction of garage at 196 Hubbard, finds building not preferably preserved
Summary
The commission concluded the detached garage at 196 Hubbard Street contributes to neighborhood character but has pervasive structural problems; commissioners voted to deem it "not preferably preserved" and allowed reconstruction on the same footprint with a compatible design.
Architect Heather Bensco presented the commission with a historical assessment and a design for reconstructing the detached garage at 196 Hubbard Street, describing the structure as a late‑19th‑century carriage barn that was adapted into a two‑car garage.
Bensco said investigators found "substantial deflection and deterioration in the roof ridge and rafter system," an inadequate foundation and an interior stair that could not meet modern safety expectations without major rebuilding. The proposal keeps the new building on the existing footprint, preserves the garage relationship to the principal house and adds modest shed dormers to provide habitable upper‑level space while maintaining the building's subordinate scale.
Commissioners debated the building's historical significance and the feasibility of reuse. After discussion, a motion to deem the garage not preferably preserved carried by unanimous roll call. Commissioners asked the applicant to provide documentation for the file and thanked the project team for thorough materials.
