Historic District Commission presses for redesign, tables application for duplex at 6A–6B Procter Hill Road

The Historic District Commission examined Application HDC2026-020 — a proposal to demolish an existing two-family house and rebuild a slightly larger duplex at 6A–6B Procter Hill Road — and identified multiple design shortcomings that commissioners said make the building incompatible with the surrounding historic fabric. Marcelo Borges, the applicant, told the panel he would provide revised drawings and material selections after hearing the commission’s concerns.

Commissioners repeatedly said the submission lacked reliable visual information: the renderings showed white windows while the application specified black windows, and the physical color samples the applicant brought did not match the drawings. "When we're trying to look at the application, I think we really need to see exactly what it is that you plan to do and the paint color as well," said Speaker 2, a commission member who emphasized the need for window cut sheets and a clear grid pattern.

Members also focused on architectural details that convey historic character. Commissioner comments urged larger corner boards and separated window openings rather than the molded double-window assemblies in the plans; Speaker 7 suggested choosing "one style" (for example farmhouse or colonial) and applying consistent fenestration and trim to make the building read as a coherent historic form. "The corner board size really matters when you are... looking at, I believe, you would consider this a colonial," Speaker 2 said, noting trim dimensions and window proportions as key to compatibility.

The applicant said he was open to changes, including reverting to white windows and separating the double-window units. "I don't mind to go back to white, the white window. That's fine," Marcelo Borges said, adding that some of the suggested changes would lower cost. Commissioners and public commenters recommended a landscape plan, larger trim, and reconsideration of massing and roof pitch to improve the street-facing composition.

After discussion the applicant agreed to prepare revised plans and renderings that reflect confirmed colors, window profiles and trim details; commissioners discussed procedural options for handling a full redesign versus incremental fixes. The record includes on-the-floor motions related to the submission, and the meeting moved on to other business after guidance was provided.