Commission approves accessibility upgrades and storefront repairs at Brick Market museum

The Newport Historic District Commission approved a continuing City of Newport application to modify the front elevation of the Brick Market (home to the Museum of Newport History) at 365 Same Street to provide an accessible entry and update signage and temporary banners.

Rebecca Bertrand, executive director of the Newport Historical Society, told the commission the revisions include replacing a vandalized storefront glass wall, relocating the front door to a different bay, and re-laying existing brick pavers to create a level vestibule and an ADA-compliant 5% slope walkway; she emphasized the work is reversible and that the visual character of the building will remain unchanged from the street. “Creating a dignified code compliant entrance for all visitors…is a central mission to our project,” Bertrand said, noting the museum receives about "35 to 40,000 visitors a year."

Commissioners asked technical questions about a 4½-inch step indicated on drawings and whether that step might represent a tripping hazard; the applicant’s designer explained the walkway profile, and commissioners suggested limited concrete infill in the archway to mitigate a small step. The panel voiced general support for the revisions, praising the applicant for addressing prior concerns.

The commission moved, seconded and approved the application, citing the applicable Newport standards; staff will continue to coordinate details with the applicant as construction documentation is finalized.

What happens next: The applicant will coordinate final construction details with the preservation planner and proceed with permitted work.