HDC Approves Cottage Restoration at Former Cluny School – Newport This Week

The Historic District Commission approved the application on Oct. 20 of Austin Willis to restore a stone cottage to its original design by removing surrounding additions at the former Cluny School property.

I am so excited about this, HDC member Diana Szapary said.

Chair Karl Bjork called the restoration of the stone cottage fantastic.

It is due to the vision of my clients, said architect Paul Weber, who provided the plans.

The majority of the restoration would occur at the northwest side of the building where the 1965 addition connects to the stone cottage. The southeast, southwest and northeast elevations are relatively untouched by the addition. All restoration would match existing details and materials. Any roof repair would include slate roof matching the existing roof, while the adjacent building to the north of the main Cluny School structure would be demolished.

After four meetings and many changes, the HDC failed to approve the petition of David Elwell of 96 Harrison Ave. for permission to construct an attached two-car wood frame garage, modify the main entrance, repair and relocate windows and exterior doors, and replace a slate roof.

The plan went under significant modifications under architect Steve Laurin, but ultimately resulted in a 3-3 deadlock.

I still have a problem with the attached garage, said HDC member Howard Elliott.

Szapary had issues with the proposed elevation of the new building. Its a carriage house, she said. With the proposed changes, it looks like a large manor house. I couldnt approve that. It is turning this into something that it isnt.

HDC member Donald Ross disagreed. This is a very good redo. I think they have gone the extra distance, he said. I think this is a very good approach to rescuing the building. If something isnt done, I have very grave concerns about the future of this building. I think it does preserve historic character.

The house is currently a twofamily house, Elwell said. We are bringing the kitchen and the living room down from the second floor to that first-floor space where the garage is, he said. I think we have made some meaningful changes. We believe we have been quite responsive to what the commission had concerns about.

Elwell must now submit a new plan for HDC consideration.

Much of the meeting concerned three separate home petition hearings for owner Luke Fleury, who is renovating properties at 41 John St., 1 Maitland Court, and 34 Elm St.

The HDC voted to delay hearing the 41 John St. petition due to needing samples for the 30 windows that Fleury wants to replace, along with doors and much more. The commission approved 1 Maitland Court, which is in dilapidated condition, with new conditions that the applicant save the stained-glass window and salvage as many windows as possible before replacing others using the most authentic materials possible.

The commission approved 12 other petitions and delayed seven to November.

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HDC Approves Cottage Restoration at Former Cluny School - Newport This Week