One of the best-preserved, most significant historic buildings in Union Square is at risk. The intact, ornate 1884 storefront of the “Elegant Furniture” building on Somerville Ave (actual address: 31-33 Union Square) is about to be demolished and replaced with modern metal-framed windows. As you may know, US2, master developer for the Union Square Urban Renewal Plan, will open an office in part of the former Elegant Furniture space, and the co-working firm WorkBar will sublet the rest. The owners are renovating the historic storefront to accommodate these new tenants.
The storefront looks worse than it really is. According to a local contractor who specializes in historic buildings, the windows mostly need scraping, putty and paint, and a little wood epoxy in a few places. A couple of the small panes in the upper transom area are cracked and need to be replaced. The plywood panels below the windows are in very poor condition; it is simple and inexpensive and replace them.
The owners also want better energy efficiency. To many people’s surprise, top-notch energy efficiency does not require double-pane replacement windows. Mounting storm windows inside would give equal efficiency without hurting the appearance.
Here's What You Can Do
1. Sign Online Petition
Over 125 people have already signed the petition. We started the old-fashioned way--one signature at a time. Join them by signing the online version here.
2. Send an email to the Somerville Planning Board
If you want to keep the funky, historic character that makes Union Square different from everywhere else send an email and ask the Planning Board to not approve any Special Permit that would allow the loss of this historic façade. Send email comments to the Somerville Planning Board at planning@somervillema.gov
3. Attend the public hearing of the Somerville Planning Board on Thursday, August 6:00 p.m. at City Hall (93 Highland Ave) in the Aldermanic Chambers.
Attend the public hearing of the Somerville Planning Board. It may be our only chance to weigh in on this plan. Offer brief verbal comments to the Board. (If you plan to go, call 617-625-6600 ext 2500 that day to verify that this is on the agenda and the location has not changed.)
The storefront looks worse than it really is. According to a local contractor who specializes in historic buildings, the windows mostly need scraping, putty and paint, and a little wood epoxy in a few places. A couple of the small panes in the upper transom area are cracked and need to be replaced. The plywood panels below the windows are in very poor condition; it is simple and inexpensive and replace them.
The owners also want better energy efficiency. To many people’s surprise, top-notch energy efficiency does not require double-pane replacement windows. Mounting storm windows inside would give equal efficiency without hurting the appearance.
Here's What You Can Do
1. Sign Online Petition
Over 125 people have already signed the petition. We started the old-fashioned way--one signature at a time. Join them by signing the online version here.
2. Send an email to the Somerville Planning Board
If you want to keep the funky, historic character that makes Union Square different from everywhere else send an email and ask the Planning Board to not approve any Special Permit that would allow the loss of this historic façade. Send email comments to the Somerville Planning Board at planning@somervillema.gov
3. Attend the public hearing of the Somerville Planning Board on Thursday, August 6:00 p.m. at City Hall (93 Highland Ave) in the Aldermanic Chambers.
Attend the public hearing of the Somerville Planning Board. It may be our only chance to weigh in on this plan. Offer brief verbal comments to the Board. (If you plan to go, call 617-625-6600 ext 2500 that day to verify that this is on the agenda and the location has not changed.)
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