Brownstone Drama and Roof Vent Rants: Unionville’s Historic District Chronicles
On October 10, 2024, the Unionville Historic District and Properties Commission gathered for what seemed like a routine meeting, but it quickly became a lively discussion about windows, brownstone foundations, Halloween parties, and the quirks of historic preservation. Curious about what went down? Don’t worry, we’ve got every detail covered, and if you want to see it all for yourself, watch the full meeting here.
Let’s dive in and break down all the major points from the meeting that’ll have Unionville residents talking for weeks! 🏡
1. Jack Kemper’s New Vision for 132 Lovely Street 🏡
Architect Jack Kemper took the floor with an ordinary proposal—a two-story, 306-square-foot addition to his historic home at 132 Lovely Street. This wasn’t just about adding space; Jack’s plan aimed to blend modern function with historic charm seamlessly. The addition would expand the home’s living space without compromising its integrity, and he spared no detail in presenting his ideas. Check out Jack’s presentation here.
Here’s a breakdown of what he proposed:
- Brownstone Foundation: One of the project’s standout features was the decision to use a brownstone veneer for the new foundation. Not only does this material blend perfectly with the home’s original foundation, but it’s also weatherproof and a natural defense against unwanted furry guests 🐭. Kemper assured the commission that the veneer would replicate the look and feel of the existing stone, ensuring the house maintains its historic appearance. “We want it to look like it’s always been there,” he emphasized.
- Windows & Shutters: Jack also plans to reuse as many of the original shutters and windows as possible, giving the addition an authentic feel. He’s opting for Lincoln windows, which not only match the current aesthetic but are more energy-efficient and practical for modern use. Gone are the days of old sliding screens! Kemper explained that by using historically accurate windows, the new structure would look like it’s always been a part of the original house. ✨
- Roof Vent and Crawl Space Debate: The discussion really got going when the topic of roof vents came up. Roof vents, believe it or not, sparked one of the longest back-and-forth exchanges during the meeting. Kemper explained that the house doesn’t have soffit vents or ridge vents, so relocating them to accommodate the new addition would be necessary. As for the foundation, rather than installing a full basement under the addition, Kemper’s going with a crawl space—matching the existing home’s setup. Practical, less invasive, and historically respectful.
After some thorough discussions, the commission was all in favor. The vote? A unanimous yes! So, get ready, Unionville—this addition is coming soon to Lovely Street! 🏗️
2. Peter Pan and Neighbor Recruitment? Only in Unionville! 🎃🧚♀️
After Jack Kemper’s detailed presentation, the conversation took a fun turn when one of the commissioners mentioned an upcoming Peter Pan-themed Halloween party happening at 176 Lovely Street. Yes, you read that right—Peter Pan! 🎭 The neighborhood is abuzz with excitement, and apparently, no invitation is required if you show up dressed as Wendy or Captain Hook!
But this lighthearted chat led to a more serious conversation about recruiting homeowners to join the Unionville Historic District. Despite the benefits of historic designation, not everyone is eager to sign on. Some homeowners worry about insurance premiums going up, while others fear the restrictions on making modifications to their homes.
- Door-to-Door Outreach: One suggestion was to take a more direct approach—literally knocking on doors and talking to neighbors about the benefits of joining the historic district. Sometimes a friendly face and a personal conversation can help clear up misconceptions about what it means to be part of the district.
- Special Events & Receptions: The commission also floated the idea of hosting a reception or open house to better inform residents. These events could be held at venues like the Unionville Museum or even local homes in the district, making it easier for people to ask questions, understand the benefits, and perhaps even take pride in preserving Unionville’s history.
3. Walking Tour Recap: Learning from the September Event 🚶♂️
The commissioners then moved on to a discussion about their recent September 28-29 Main Street Walking Tour. While the event was a success with about a dozen participants (even in the rain!), the commission saw areas where they could improve for next year.
- Collaborating with Local Institutions: Commissioners agreed that partnering with the Unionville Museum or the Farmington Library could help boost attendance for future events. The museum could provide historical insights, while the library could help with promotion and outreach. 📚
- Visuals & Maps: The tour featured aerial photographs and historical maps of the neighborhood, which were a big hit. For future tours, the commission wants to create more interactive elements—perhaps starting the tour with a presentation that dives deeper into the history of Unionville before taking to the streets.
- Neighborhood Engagement: In addition to letters, the commission is considering knocking on doors to personally invite more homeowners to these events, particularly those in the district who might be interested in joining the commission’s efforts.
4. 2025 Meeting Schedule: Historic District Drama Over Yom Kippur & Hanukkah? 🗓️
Believe it or not, there was some serious debate about the 2025 meeting schedule! With holidays like Yom Kippur and Hanukkah falling on regular meeting dates, adjustments had to be made. The commission ultimately decided to move the January meeting to the 9th and the October meeting to the 9th as well. Problem solved—everyone gets to enjoy the holidays without missing out on historic preservation! 🕎
5. Big News for Farmington’s Historic District Expansion! 🏛️
Just when it seemed the meeting was wrapping up, commissioner Garrett announced some exciting news: Farmington’s Historic District is expanding! 🎉 The Farmington Historical Society is purchasing 729 Farmington Avenue, with plans to turn it into a new museum and historic preservation hub. This beautiful home will provide much-needed space for collection storage and exhibitions.
The current One Mountain Spring Road property will be added to the Farmington Historic District, marking a significant moment for the town’s historical preservation efforts. Stay tuned—big things are happening in Farmington’s historic scene! 🏛️
Thank You to Our Sponsor: Farmington Storage 🏗️
This article was brought to you by the folks at Farmington Storage, located at 155 Scott Swamp Road. Whether you need space to store your brownstone veneer samples, Halloween costumes, or antique furniture, they’ve got you covered. Give them a call at 860.777.4001 to learn more about their services! 🎃
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Jack Beckett
Senior Writer, The Farmington Mercury
Powered by coffee, brownstone foundations, and historic district drama ☕.
