Commission gives design guidance for West State Street restaurant addition, emphasizes preserving stone bulkhead

Architects and applicants presented a concept for a mid-century commercial property on West State Street that would expand interior restaurant space, improve summer airflow and add accessibility features. Rob Costello of Torch Architecture asked the commission for guidance on replacement materials for the single-pane aluminum storefront and for the building’s defining stone corner and bulkhead.

Commissioners were unanimous that the stone corner column and bulkhead are the most important historic elements to retain. Several commissioners said a bulkhead or stone element is a potential deal-breaker for their approval if removed or obscured. The commission also discussed frame color (clear vs. dark anodized) and whether the soffit and overhang are original historic material; members asked for revised renderings including the bulkhead and examples with both dark and clear anodized frames so the commission can assess how color choices affect the building’s mid-century character.

This was a concept review; the commission did not vote, but gave clear direction that the stone bulkhead must remain visible and that applicants should return with revised renderings and material samples.