Farmington’s Historic Commission Bravely Approves Mini-Splits and Bollards, Heroically Protecting Doors From Future Generations

Farmington’s Historic District Commission: Modern Comforts, Timeless Charm

On September 17, 2024, the Farmington Historic District Commission met to navigate the tricky balance between preserving the town’s historic charm and embracing modern conveniences. Under the thoughtful leadership of Chairman Jay Bambara, the commission reviewed applications that covered everything from swapping out ancient church doors to installing sleek air conditioning systems in 100-year-old homes. Each decision reflected the commission’s commitment to ensuring Farmington’s unique heritage isn’t lost in the march of progress.

A New Look for St. James Episcopal Church: Tradition with a Twist

St. James Episcopal Church, an iconic presence at 3 Mountain Road, is getting a facelift. Robert Sudell (164 South Road) stood before the commission to request the replacement of three doors that, let’s face it, have seen better days. His goal? New simulated divided light (SDL) doors that respect the building’s old-world charm while being, you know, functional.

Of course, this is Farmington, where a door is never just a door. Ted Sanford raised a red flag about whether the fiberglass doors were “authentic” enough. Sudell reassured everyone that the new doors would fit the bill—mullions and all.

“I think we’ve struck a balance between the practical and the traditional,” Joanne Lawson commented, reflecting the mood of the room.

The commission was satisfied that the new doors would do justice to the church’s historic aesthetic, so the proposal was unanimously approved. No doubt, St. James will soon welcome visitors with refreshed, stylishly authentic entryways.

Want to see the full discussion? Check it out here: September 17th Historic District Commission Meeting

Keeping Cool in Historic Homes: 122 Main Street Goes Modern

Chad Simard’s request to install three mini-split air conditioners at 122 Main Street was as much about maintaining comfort as it was about preserving appearances. After all, who doesn’t want air conditioning these days? The challenge was fitting it into a building that dates back over a century.

Simard, representing a new homeowner, explained how the mini-split units would be hidden behind some hearty shrubbery, with the refrigerant lines encased in paintable PVC to match the home’s exterior. It was all about keeping things cool—literally and visually.

“The goal here is balance,” Simard said. “We want the property to stay true to its roots but be comfortable to live in.”

The commission was on board, granting approval on the condition that the screening fence match the existing materials. The result? A modern upgrade, tucked discreetly away, ensuring the house remains as charming as ever.

Hartford Baking Company: A Recipe for Aesthetics and AC

The Hartford Baking Company, located at 767 Farmington Avenue, was back in front of the commission, seeking retroactive approval for a mini-split air conditioner that was already installed. The catch? Some pretty visible pipes running along the outside of the building.

Joanne Lawson, always looking out for the town’s charm, wasn’t thrilled about how the pipes disrupted the visual harmony of the building. “It’s about more than functionality—it’s about keeping our town beautiful,” she noted.

The commission approved the system with one clear mandate: those pipes need to blend in. The solution? Paint the pipes to match the exterior. With that fix in place, Farmington can keep its cool—without sacrificing curb appeal.

Brick Walk Shops: A New Door for a New Era

Patrick Whitaker, representing Brick Walk Shops LLC, came with a plan to replace the front door at 775 Farmington Avenue. The existing 8-panel door had seen so many repairs it was barely hanging on, and a more practical 6-panel replacement was in order.

Jim Gimsky, ever the preservationist, voiced concern: “This door is one of a kind.” But practicality won the day, and the commission approved the 6-panel replacement, ensuring that while the door was new, it would still look the part of a historic building. Whitaker also promised the hardware would follow fire code while keeping things visually pleasing.

Bollards: The New Guardians of Farmington Avenue

After a couple of close calls with cars crashing into storefronts, Brick Walk Shops LLC requested approval to install protective bollards in front of 767, 769, and 771 Farmington Avenue. These black, four-inch concrete-filled guardians are designed to be functional and blend with the colonial aesthetic.

Jim Gimsky suggested beefing them up to six inches, given the weight of modern vehicles (especially electric ones). The commission ultimately gave Whitaker the choice of using four or six-inch bollards, as long as they were black and in place to protect both pedestrians and property.

“These bollards aren’t just about protecting the buildings,” Commissioner Michelle added. “They’re about keeping pedestrians safe, too.”

Farmington’s Legacy in Safe Hands

As the meeting wrapped up, it was clear the Farmington Historic District Commission continues to be the town’s gatekeepers, protecting its unique character while allowing room for necessary updates. Whether it’s a new door, safer storefronts, or the delicate addition of air conditioning, the commission ensures that the old and the new can coexist beautifully.

And while Farmington’s homes and buildings are getting updates, Farmington Storage (155 Scott Swamp Road) is here to protect your treasures! Got more heirlooms than you know what to do with? Give them a call at 860-777-4001—because even in a town as historic as ours, we can all use a little extra space. Visit Farmington Storage today!

-JB-