231 Essex Street-Administrative Approval for Masonry Work
February 17, 2022
Juliana Silva
MS Masonry and Stone Services
Chelsea, MA 02150
Dear Ms. Silva:
I have reviewed your proposal to re-point and repair the masonry façade at 231 Essex Street,
Rockafellas. Upon consultation with the City’s Preservation Planner, we have determined that
the project, as proposed in the email dated February 9, 2022, to Kate Newhall-Smith, is an in-
kind repair of the existing façade.
All work on the façade of this structure must meet the following conditions:
• The mortar must be replicated in terms of composition, texture, color, and pointing
technique.
• If bricks must be replaced, the new bricks shall match in color and size to the existing
ones.
If the repointing work cannot be completed as specified in this approval and/or the February 9,
2022, email, you must obtain approval before commencing a new strategy.
This approval applies only to the repointing and masonry repair work as proposed. Any other
work or changes to the façade of the building at 231 Essex Street must be reviewed prior to
undertaking that work.
Should you determine that you would like to further modify the approved project or if you have
any questions or concerns, please contact Kate Newhall-Smith at knewhallsmith@salem.com to
determine if SRA and DRB approval is necessary.
Thank you for your cooperation and efficiency in providing the project details.
Sincerely,
Tom Daniel, AICP
Executive Director
Caution: This email originated from outside our system. Please do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
From:MS Masonry and Stone Services
To:Kathryn Newhall-Smith
Subject:Re: 231 Essex St
Date:Wednesday, February 9, 2022 11:34:18 AM
Attachments:image001.png
Hi Kate,
The pictures are attached to the email.
The mix for the re-point is 5 sand + 1 light dragon cement + 1 Lime. We will do samples until
we match the existing color.
We don't know if it will be necessary to replace any bricks yet but if necessary we will take a
sample and go to Spaulding Brick in Wilmington to match the existing ones.
Please let me know if you need anything else.
Thank you
Juliana Silva
(781) 629-9757
On Wed, Feb 2, 2022 at 6:18 AM Kathryn Newhall-Smith <knewhallsmith@salem.com>
wrote:
Hi Juliana,
Thank you for reaching out.
The building at 231 Essex Street is in the Urban Renewal Area, which means that any
changes to the exterior of the building needs to be reviewed.
Before you submit any applications, can you send me some information?
Photos of the areas to be repointed
The mortar type and color – it is critical that the repair blend with the existing
Plans for the existing bricks – do any need to be replaced? If so, what is the plan for
matching the brick?
Please send me anything that will show me that this is an in-kind project that the repairs
won’t change the exterior appearance of the building.
Caution: This email originated from outside our system. Please do not click links or
open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
I’m not in the office today so email is the best way to reach me. If you would like to
discuss, I’ll be in the office tomorrow, Thursday, from 8-1.
Have a nice day,
Kate
Kate Newhall-Smith
Principal Planner
City of Salem | Department of Planning & Community Development
98 Washington Street, 2nd Floor | Salem, MA 01970
978-619-5685 ext. 42509 | knewhallsmith@salem.com
From: MS Masonry and Stone Services <masonryserviceusa@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 1, 2022 12:37 PM
To: Kathryn Newhall-Smith <knewhallsmith@Salem.com>
Subject: 231 Essex St
Hi Kate,
I have to apply for a permit for 231 Essex St (Restaurant) for a re-point work and I contacted
the Historic commission because I thought the building was in a Historic district and they
said it is not but I had to contact you to see what I need. Can you please advise me? My
name is Juliana Silva and my phone is 617-767-6780.
Thank you
Juliana Silva
(781) 629-9757