Mulberry House asks commission to reaffirm support for $300,000 CPA roof repair request

Representatives of Mulberry House asked the Springfield Historical Commission for the commission’s support in a repeat Community Preservation Act funding application for 101 Mulberry Street. Philip McDonald, who identified himself as the treasurer, told the commission the organization is requesting $300,000 to repair a failing roof and stabilize interior elements so the building can support community programming.

McDonald said this was the group’s second year before the commission after not receiving funding last year. He described the Mulberry House as built in 1955 and located in the Ridgewood local historic district and said the building ‘‘has some social significance being on Mulberry Street, being affiliated with doctor Seuss’’ and community events tied to the street.

Commissioners asked about occupancy (applicant said 120 units, largely occupied), architectural distinctiveness and prior documentation; staff indicated the project is a repeat CPA application and advised how to proceed with letters of support. No CPA appropriation vote occurred at the meeting; staff told applicants they could provide the same project materials and the commission would reissue its letter if the project was unchanged.

Commissioners requested that applicants provide any updated materials and that staff circulate the commission’s letter of support to CPA staff as appropriate. The commission’s role this evening was advisory; any CPA funding decision rests with the CPA review process and not with this body.