March 2008
Chapter 40, Section 8d of Massachusetts General Laws identifies five responsibilities for all commissions established under this Chapter:
Optional responsibilities include:
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE
Home Page
Current Membership
Meetings
Past Preservation Awards
Demolition Delay Ordinance
National Register Properties in
Some Architectural Styles in
Contact:
To contact the Holyoke Historical Commission, you may write
the Commission at the
Hot Links
City of
National Trust for Historic Preservation www.preservationonline.org
Mayor Sullivan 322-5510
Planning Board 322-5575
Wistariahurst Museum 322-5660
HOLYOKE HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEMBERSHIP
SEPTEMBER 2006-2007
DUNCAN MACKIEWICZ- 538-8416
OLIVIA MAUSEL, 534-4115
PETER
PAPINEAU-532-7464
pnp.tma@verizon.net
VACANCY
VACANCY
VACANCY
VACANCY
INTERESTED IN JOINING THE HISTORICAL COMMISSION?
QUALIFICATIONS ARE:
WILLING TO LEARN
WILLING TO PARTICIPATE IN WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS
MEETING ONCE A MONTH
FIELD WORK
INTEREST IN THE HISTORY OF
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
STRONG CONSTITUTION** (MAY HAVE TO GO AGAINST PUBLIC OPINION)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
MEETINGS
7:00
322-5660
Third Monday of the Month
(**Some exceptions)
MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2008
MONDAY, MAY 19, 2008
MONDAY, JUNDE 16, 2008
JULY-TBA
AUG-TBA
REGULAR COMMISSION MEETINGS ARE HELD ON THE
AT
322-5660
THE
MEETINGS BEGIN AT
DEMOLITION HEARINGS—NONE SCHEDULED
(see legal notices in local newspapers)
ESTABLISHED
DECEMBR 2007 LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICT GUIDELINES
The following features may
be controlled and their guidelines may be adopted so that the individual
character of each house on
5 out of 7 members must be residents of
FEATURE GUIDELINES
Fencing/Screen Planting To protect the street vista,
fencing or screen planting
between the public way and
the foundation line or an
extension thereof, the
design will be reviewed on a
case-by-case basis.
Steps Replacement shall be in the
shape, design, and location
of the original, materials
such as wood, brick, and
concrete are preferred.
Roof The shape of the roof
should not be changed
and original roofing material
should be retained if
possible.
Building Additions Additions should be confined
to the rear of building and
the design will be reviewed
on a case-by-case basis.
Grillwork (on roofs and porches) Grillwork should be retained
unless it can be
demonstrated to the
COMMISSION that retention
would result in a safety or
economic hardship.
Siding Original clapboard, shingles,
brick or stucco. Siding should
be maintained whenever
possible. Any change in type
of material of siding requires
approval on a case by case
basis.
Trim ( Corner board, window detail, cornices, etc.)
Trim features should not be
removed or altered in design.
Doors All doors except storm doors,
should not be changed in
size, location, or design.
Porches( including railings) Porches are extremely
important to Victorian
houses. Porches should not be
changed in shape, location, or
design. They should not be
enclosed. Temporary,
seasonal screens are permissible.
Chimneys Any change in shape or design
shall require approval.
Awnings Rigid permanent awnings are
not allowed. Canvas or other
fabric is recommended.
Retractable aluminum awnings
will be considered.
Signs Size, shape, and design of
SIGNS follow the City of
Garages Changes in shape or design
subject to approval
feature by feature.
Paint Color of paint is not controlled;
however approval must be
sought prior to painting any
previously unpainted brick,
brownstone, or other masonry.
changes need approval
Utilities All utilities to maintain their
“behind-home” location. Any
proposed changes need
approval by the COMMISSION.
The following are those features NOT subject to Local Historical District Commission regulations:
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
ENDANGERED
BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES 2006-2007
City Owned:
Privately owned properties
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
DO YOU HAVE ANY OLD PHOTOGRAPHS OR MAPS OF
Please bring them to
HOW CAN I RESEARCH MY
HOUSE OR ANY PROPERTY IN
The Historical Commission, City Hall and Holyoke History
Room (located at
WHAT ARE THE
The Historical Commission recommends helpful publications on old house maintenance and restoration- “Old House Journal”- www.oldhousejournal.com, National Trust for Historic Preservation- www.Preservationonline.org or “This Old House Magazine”- www.thisoldhouse.org -- www.victorianhomesmag.com
HOW CAN I RESTORE MISSING DECORATIAVE ELEMENTS OF MY BUILDING?
The Historical Commission files may contain an old picture of the property which would enable you to replicate the missing details exactly. If there are no old photographs available, there may be clues on the buildings itself which would help Commissioners to make suggestions about what would be appropriate.
WHAT ARE HISTORICALLY APPROPRIATE PAINT COLORS FOR MY HOUSE?
A building’s architectural style is expressed not only through its basic form and decorative elements, but through color. Nineteenth-century architects often specified paint colors when they designed buildings. No one color or set of colors fits all styles, and each style has its own theory of color and appropriate color families. Historically appropriate colors enhance the ‘personality” of the house by complementing the houses shape and ornamental details. For those who are interested, the Historical Commission can make recommendations.
ARE THERE ANY GRANTS or TAX CREDITS AVAILABLE FROM THE CITY FOR RESORING OLDER BUILDINGS?
Yes, the City of
HOW CAN I FIND OUT IF A
The National Register of
Historic Places is a list of individual buildings, sites, structures and
objects as well as districts that are important to American history, culture,
architecture or archaeology. This federal designation is administered by the
Secretary of the Interior through the Massachusetts Historical Commission as
the State Historic Preservation Office.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT IF A
There are approximately 1200
The Historic Preservation Awards of the Holyoke Historical Commission aim to encourage historic preservation by recognizing property owners who have maintained a building’s historic character while making improvements and individuals or organizations which have made significant contributions to the historic preservation of the City. .
Non-residential
Residential
Craftsperson
New construction
Media/ publication
Holyoke Families of historical significance
1999
Friends of the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round- Angela Wright, Coordinator
In recognition and appreciation of their continuing commitment to the upkeep; and maintenance of the Carousel. The Carousel was crafted by the Philadelphia Toboggan company in 1929…seventy years ago.
Ducharme Moriarty &Turcotte - Cornelius J. Moriarty, Jr. Esq.
In recognition of
having restored and for maintaining the historic Russell building at
Holyoke Community Land Trust- Eric Gross, Executive Director
In recognition and appreciation of its continued commitment to revocation the city’s residences. The Trust’s meticulous restorations have maintained each structure’s unique character and preserved their significant architectural details. The restored homes stand as testimonies to the beauty of the City’s Victorian architecture.
Holyoke Gas & Electric Company- James Lavelle, Manager
In recognition and appreciation of their renovation and adaptive re-use of the former Holyoke Savings Bank Building at Chestnut Street and Suffolk Streets for offices. The Department’s efforts in restoring and maintaining this historic and significant structure has served as a model for preserving the City’s architectural heritage.
Robert Nakreyko- Preservation Award for the Massachusetts Historical Commission for his work in restoring and Rock Valley Cemetery.
2000
Holyoke City Hall Restoration – Recipient of the Massachusetts Historical Commission’s Preservation Award for the interior and exterior restorations. In 1998, the City Council appropriated $2.5 million toward restoring City Hall to its former Gothic glory. Design work on the project began in 1997 and included the restoration of the building entrances, interior public spaces, public restrooms, exterior windows and exterior masonry and clock tower.
In recognition and appreciation of their
efforts in restoring and replacing the slate roof of
Valley Opportunity Council, Inc.- Kevin Hamel, Executive Director
In recognition and appreciation of the Councils efforts in renovating The Chapin Mansion for Veterans housing. Their efforts have preserved a structure which has extraordinary historical and architectural value for the City and its residents, and for future generations of Holyokers.
Mr. Harry P. Craven, Jr.
In recognition and appreciation of your continuing efforts to collect and preserve old photographs of Holyoke, for sharing you collection with customers and the community by displaying them at Highland Hardware and Bike Shop and for producing two calendars of historic Holyoke photographs.
2003
Ann Sinclair, Senior Planner
In recognition and appreciation of your expertise in grants and state forms, point person with Massachusetts Historical Commission and the Community Development Block Grant. For your multiple projects: Pulaski Park, Depot Square Historic District Study Committee, Wyckoff Park, Community-Wide Cultural Resource Surveys, Hope VI, Ely Homes, House rehabs, park, parking lot and streetscape improvements, the Provost Morgan Homes, Holyoke Health Center and the Neighborhood Improvement Program Project at Linden Street. For being keeper of the city’s historic inventories and all around person extraordinaire.
Heriberto Flores,
In appreciation
for your faithful restoration of the
Jill Hodnicki, Architectural
Historian
In recognition of your years of service to the Holyoke Historical Commission and for your factual and meticulous knowledge of the personalities, architecture and history of the City of Holyoke as exhibited on bus tours through mills, mansions and cemeteries, for your expertise and guidance with Wistariahurst Museum and for being a guiding presence and mentor to new commissioners and directors.
Dr. Edward and Cynthia Barowsky
In recognition of
your faithful restoration of the original wooden exterior of your home at
NATIONAL REGISTER PROPERTIES IN HOLYOKE
|
NAME Prospect Park/Pulaski Park/Kerry Park |
LOCATION Maple St/ |
LISTED 1986 1986 2004 |
SOME ARCHITECTURAL STYLES IN HOLYOKE
GREEK REVIVAL MUNGER HOUSE- 587 South Street
ITALIANATE THAYER HOUSE – 187 Chestnut Street
SKINNER COFFEE HOUSE- 60 Hamilton Street- (demolished
2006)
GEORGE
SECOND EMPIRE/ MANSARD
J.H. NEWTON HOUSE- 159 Chestnut Street
CALEDONIAN BLOCK- 185 High Street
STICK STYLE
HOUSE, Dwight Street corner Beech Street
QUEEN ANNE
HIGH VICTORIAN GOTHIC
CHAPIN HOUSE- Elm Street
HOLYOKE CITY HALL- Dwight Street
TUTOR REVIVAL
CHAPIN HOUSE – 211 Oak Street
TYNER HOUSE- 210 Oak Street
COLONIAL REVIVAL
A.L. GREEN HOUSE- “Meadowview” 220 Linden Street
HOUSE- Northampton Street corner Hitchcock
CITY OF HOLYOKE
In the year Two thousand
THIRD AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 18
OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES
OF THE CITY OF HOLYOKE, MASSACHUSETTS, 1997
AN ORDINANCE
SECTION 1. Chapter 18 entitled “Buildings and Building Regulations” of the Revised
Code of Ordinances of the City of Holyoke, Massachusetts, 1997, as amended, is hereby
further amended by adding thereto the following;
Sec. 18-34. Demolition Delay Ordinance.
This ordinance is adopted for the purpose of protecting the historic and aesthetic qualities of the city by preserving, rehabilitating or restoring, whenever possible, buildings or structures which contribute or reflect distinctive features of the architectural or historic resources of the city, thereby promoting the public welfare and preserving the cultural heritage of the city. A demolition delay ordinance will provide time to explore demolition alternatives, such as developing adaptive re-uses for the building or structure, locating purchasers, or moving the building or structure to a new location.
Commissioner: The Holyoke Building Commissioner
Commission: The Holyoke Historical Commission
Historically Significant Building or Structure: A building or structure which is
(1) listed on the National Register of Historical Places; (2) listed on the current
Historic Inventory of Holyoke; (3) located within two hundred (200) feet of the boundary line of any National Register or local historic district; or (4) greater than fifty years old at the time of demolition permit application filing.
Demolition Permit: The permit issued by the Commissioner as required by the state building code for the demolition, partial demolition or removal of a building or structure.
a. The Commissioner shall be responsible for making an initial determination of the applicability of this ordinance and notify the Commission within seven (7) days of said determination that a property owner or the City of Holyoke has applied for a demolition permit. The Commissioner shall be required to notify the Commission of all notices sent to property owners pursuant to 780 CMR~121.4 and 121.5 and M.G. L.c. 143~~8 and 9. The Commissioner shall forward a copy of each demolition permit application for a building or structure identified in this section to the chair of the Commission within seven (7) days after the filing.
b. If the building or structure is deemed historically significant, the Commissioner and the applicant shall be notified by the Commission that no demolition permit shall be issued until a thorough investigation is undertaken and a final written recommendation is provided by the Commission within a six (6) review period.
a. Within the four (4) month review period, the Commission
shall
meet with the property owner and conduct special
investigations
or hearings as it may determine in the formulation of its written
recommendation. The following shall be considered in
the
Commission’s deliberations; Deleted…………….December 12, 2005
a. Commencing upon receipt by the
commission of the initial determination by the commissioner, there shall be a six-month review period. Within the six-month review period, the commission shall
meet with the property owner and conduct special investigations or hearings as
it may determine in the formulation of its written recommendations. The
following shall be considered in the commission’s deliberations……….Approved
1. the building or structure is of such interest or quality that it
would meet National Historical Register criteria for
designation as a historical of architectural landmark;
2. the building or structure is of such unusual or uncommon
design, texture, or material that it could not be reproduced without great difficulty or expense;
3. the building or structure is of such architectural or historic
interest that its removal would be a detriment to the public
interest.
4. Retention of the building or structure would preserve and
protect a historic place or area of historic interest in the city.
b. Within the six (6) month review period and within sixty (60)
days of the notification of the Commission of the determination
of historical significance, the Commission may request that the
applicant supply the Commission with a demolition plan review.
The review shall include:
1. a map to be supplied by the Holyoke Planning Department
indicating the location of the building or structure with
reference to lot lines and abutting buildings and structures;
2. photographs of all street façade elevations;
3. A written description of the building or structure of part
thereof, to be demolished;
4. The reason(s) for the proposed demolition and data supporting
said reason, including data sufficient to establish any
economic justification for demolition; and
5. a description of the proposed reuse of the parcel on which the building or structure is located.
c. Within the six (6) month review period, the Commission shall hold a public hearing, and publish notice of the time, place and purpose thereof in a newspaper of general circulation at least fourteen (14) days prior to said hearing. The Commission shall also send notice by regular mail at least fourteen (14) days prior to said hearing to any person whose property abuts the building or structure and abutters within three hundred (300) feet of the property line of the building or structure as determined from the records of the city assessors. A copy of said notice shall also be sent to the Planning Board, City Council, Mayor, Clearance Review Committee and the Holyoke Survey Board. All costs related to the public hearing shall be borne by the applicant.
d. Buildings or structures that are deemed historically significant by the Commissioner and identified by the Clearance Review Committee as potential candidates for demolition, shall be subject to a simultaneous review process by both the Clearance Review Committee and the Commission. Said process shall not exceed the four-month review period of this ordinance and shall include a joint public hearing of the Clearance Review Committee and Commission.
Within the six (6) month period, the Commission shall issue a written recommendation to the applicant and the Commissioner, regarding the granting of the demolition permit; If no such recommendation is issued within said period, the Commission shall be deemed to have recommended the granting of said demolition permit. No permit for the erection of a new building or structure on the city of an existing historically significant building or structure shall be issued prior to the issuance of a demolition permit for the existing building or structure.
SECTION 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.
SECTION 3. This ordinance shall take effect on the date of it passage.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Stephen P. Fitzgibbons
City Solicitor
In City Council
--Yeas 14
--Nays 1 (Welch)
--Absent 0
Susan Egan, Clerk
Presented to the Mayor for Approval Date:
Susan M. Egan
Mayor’s Office
Date:
Approved
Mayor Michael J. Sullivan
Sixth Amendment to
Chapter 18 of the Revised Code of Ordinances of the City of
Section 1. a. Commencing upon receipt by the commission of the initial determination by the commissioner, there shall be a six-month review period. Within the six-month review period, the commission shall meet with the property owner and conduct special investigations or hearings as it may determine in the formulation of its written recommendations. The following shall be considered in the commission’s deliberations…
Section 2 All ordinances or parts of ordinance inconsistent herewith are herby repealed.
Section 3 this ordinance shall take effect on the date of passage.
By deleting from subparagraph ©
(3) b. “four-month review period” and by replacing it with “six-month review period”
By deleting from sub paragraph © (3) c. “four-month review period: and by replacing it with “six-month review period”
Approved as to form:
Karen T. Betournay, City Solicitor
Susan Egan, City Clerk
Michael Sullivan, Mayor
In city Council
Yeas 12, Nay-1 (Whelihan) Absent 2 (Feyre, McDermott)