HDC 5-29-24 City of Beverly Historic Districts Commission
May 29, 2024
Meeting Minutes
CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OR COMMISSION: City of Beverly Historic Districts Commission
DATE: May 29, 2024
LOCATION: Beverly City Hall, 191 Cabot Street, 3`d Floor, Conference
Room A
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair William Finch; Suzanne LaMont; John Leahy;
Wendy Pearl
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Associate Planner, Jared Contrada
RECORDER: Kristan Patenaude
1. Call to Order
Chair Finch called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
2. Larcom Theater Marquee Update
Eric Larson, the architect for the project, and Lisa Crowell, applicant, explained that changes
were made to ensure that the shape, form, and historic design elements will be replicated in the
new design. Great care was taken to place the location of the marquee as designed. The dies used
for historic marquees were chosen for the project. Old photos and postcards were used to design
the corner sections.
Regarding the SAG rod system, the architect explained that the anchor system needs to be offset
slightly from the original location. The original holes for the SAG rods cannot be used due to the
age of the structure and the engineers would not approve this. New hanging bolts will be set
immediately adjacent to the original ones.
The Commission discussed that it generally likes to see the holes placed into the mortar joints
than into the brick itself. The architect explained that these will be 1" diameter holes and a 7/8"
diameter rod, so this will not be possible. The threaded rods will be embedded in epoxy.
Pinch expressed concern with the proposed dimension of the new marquee and making it fit in
almost the same location as the original. The architect for the project explained that there is a
waterline where the original marquee sat that can be seen in photos. The frame system is smaller
than the marquee, The electronic message display is adjustable in order to line up exactly with
the original watermarks on the wall. There is an additional one foot of an adjustment available on
the marquee sides, if needed. The width will mimic the historic photos and line up with the
watermarks.
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City of Beverly Historic Districts Commission
May 29, 2024
Meeting Minutes
The architect explained that the design shows globe lights with LED lighting on the inside. These
can be frosted or white, though white is generally more historically appropriate. The medallion
shown is a computer die out vinyl.
There was discussion regarding the proposed molded projections at the top and bottom of the
marquee. It was noted that this molding was previously recommended from this Commission.
Finch expressed concern that this does not appear to be historically accurate. He would like to
see a conventional molding around the sign board, more than the rectangular area shown.
LaMont: Motion to prepare correspondence to the Community Preservation Committee
indicating that the plans as submitted on May 29, 2024, meet the Secretary of the
Interior standards for the treatment of historic properties. Pearl seconds. Motion
carries (4-0).
3. Cabot/Rantoul Street Survey
a. Case Study on Wallis Street
Contrada stated that MAPC is offering new services for historic preservation and Staff will meet
with them in two weeks for a brainstorming session regarding how best to move forward with the
project without being able to get in touch with MHC.
The Commission discussed if a street like Wallis Street has enough critical mass to complete an
inventory on it, The Commission reviewed each house along the street.
4 Review of Minutes
a. April 24, 2024
Leahy: Motion to approve the meeting minutes of April 24, 2024, as amended. Pearl
seconds. Motion carves (4-0).
5. New/Other Business
a. Other discussion or action items related to Commission business, if any
b. Relevant Staff updates,if any
None at this time.
6.Adjourn
Leahy: Motion to adjourn. LaMont seconds, Motion carries (4-0).
Meeting adjourns at 7:03 p.m.
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