65 Federal Street - SHC comment letter to SRA and DRB �E f oil
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Salem .historical Commission
98 WASHINGTON STREET, SALEM,MASSACHUSETTS 01970
(978)619-5685
April 8,2019
Paul Durand, Chair
Design Review Board
98 Washington Street
Salem,MA 01970
RE: Comments on Proposed New Additions at 65 Federal Street
Dear Mr. Durand:
The Salem Historical Commission reviewed the proposed demolition of existing additions at the historic Sarah A.and
Daniel Jewett House (SAL.1453) at 65 Federal Street and the construction of new additions at the property.The Jewett
House is listed in the National Register as a contributing building in the Federal Street National Register Historic
District.
The Sarah A. and Daniel Jewett House was documented in the recent Downtown Salem Survey Project.The Italianate
style building was constructed in 1856 and features distinguishing characteristics of both the earlier Greek Revival style
(entry door with full length sidelights) and the Italianate style (bracketed entry hood with scroll-sawed frieze and paired
brackets along cornice).The building,which is set sideways on its lot with its front door on the east elevation,retains its
five bay facade with center entrance, original 6/6 double hung wood windows,paired cornice brackets and slate roof.
Additional details such as window moldings and corner boards may be present under the vinyl siding.According to the
recently completed inventory form for the building,the existing additions at the rear and side of the building were likely
constructed in the late 19t1i century.
The Historical Commission commends the proponent for his willingness to work with the Commission and Historic
Salem,Inc. on design changes that are more sympathetic to the historic character of the Jewett House.The
Commission is pleased that the proponent has agreed to preserve the building's five bay facade as well as other historic
features such as historic wood windows,cornice brackets and the building's bracketed entry hood.The Commission
feels that the revised design for the new additions present a scale and massing that are more subordinate to the historic
house and are more in keeping with the Secretary of the Interior Standards.
To clarify and further improve design details,the Commission offers the following comments for the Design Review
Board to consider:
■ Add gable returns to the new gable-roofed additions similar to those on the main building;
■ Clarification on roof elements indicated!on the north elevation plan.There are several undefined elements
shown on the plan next to the roof dormers that should be clarified or removed if shown by mistake;and
SHC Comments on Proposed Addition at 65 Federal Street
April 8,2019
Page 2
■ Reconsideration of the gable roof design for the addition on the west elevation. This gable has a distinctly
shallower pitch than the building's original gable roof and the proposed addition on the east elevation and its
proportions are not consistent with gable roofs found on historic buildings.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this project.
Sincerely,
ssica Herbert /
Chair
cc: Salem Redevelopment'Authority
Historic Salem,Inc.
Michael Becker,Atlantic Homes
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