Historic Zoning Commission

Market Square H-1:

10-H-02-HZ

Applicant Request

The current public improvements will be demolished and a new paving surface, seating, landscaping, bandstand and fountain will be constructed in the public space centering Market Square. Drawings of the Market Square Paving Plan and the Market Square Stage are included in this Certificate filing.

Site Info

None of the current improvements to the central space in Market Square is historic. Some of the improvements were installed c. 1960, when the original Market House was demolished. The remainder were installed in a c.1985 redo of the Square.

Points of controversy in this proposal include the absence of a raised curb lining the building facades on both sides of Market Square, and the demolition of the central structure in order to construct a newer, smaller stage.

The stage, in its general design and use of materials, is sympathetic to architectural styles represented on the Square, and yet is clearly a contemporary product. (The adopted Market Square Design Guidelines provide that " 2. Any improvements to the open portion of Market Square . . . Should be compatible in design with the buildings lining the Square." )

The paving plan, which does not include a raised curb, has introduced a section of paving against the facades of buildings on both sides of Market Square that is scored to resemble a sidewalk, as required by the adopted design guidelines. ("1. Restore the appearance of sidewalks, curbs and street paving on the east and west sides of Market Square, maintaining a level surface on the Square and using materials varied in color and texture to outline the appearance of curbs. This would provide an appropriate frame for the buildings.")