Design_Narrative_1_Purchase_Street Design Narrative
8/18/2022
Client: Ezekiel Holt
Agency: Salem Building Department
Tom St. Pierre, Building Commissioner
Architect: Derby Square Architects
William Peterson, AIA, NCARB
Project: 1 Purchase Street, Salem, MA 01970
Summary of Work:
Our office conducted a review to indicate the changes needed to make the basement unit code compliant for
occupancy and use as a short term rental. We prepared drawings illustrating the changes which are
summarized below:
1. Modify the existing bulkhead doorway to create a finished mudroom so that the bulkhead is a clear second
means of egress.
2. Create a new second egress for the 1st floor tenant (which currently shares the means of egress)
3. Remove the butler staircase access for the 1st floor tenant so that the basement is clearly a part of the
2nd/3rd floor unit and contiguous in having finished spaces connecting the several floors of space.
NB: Our office visited the site on 7/15/22 to confirm field conditions. Photos are below:
Derby Square Architects Inc.
10 Derby Square, Garden Suite NB, Salem, MA 01970 | 978.740.9979 | admin@derbysq.com
Summary:
It’s my recommended design intent that the basement space be used as an additional bedroom for short-term
rental or guest suite to the 2nd/3rd floor unit space. The suite will have a kitchenette and bathroom but still
maintain finished access to the 2nd floor kitchen and common spaces. The means of egress will be maintained.
The 1st floor tenant space will be modified to accommodate this use below it with a new second means of
egress which maintains its code compliance.
See drawings from our office dated 8/16/2022, sheets A0.0 and A1.0 which illustrate the modifications needed to
meet CMR 780 One and Two-Family Dwellings Building Code.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly.
William Peterson, AIA, NCARB
Derby Square Architects Inc.
10 Derby Square, Garden Suite NB, Salem, MA 01970 | 978.740.9979 | admin@derbysq.com