A proposal in Montclair, New Jersey, puts a spotlight on a familiar issue for construction teams working in historic districts: how new development fits the look and scale of older streetscapes, especially when masonry materials are part of the design pitch.
The Montclair Historic Preservation Commission is scheduled to hear an application tied to 6-12 Baldwin St., a property in the Pine Street Historic District. The site includes the three-story building at 6 Baldwin St., built in 1930 and home to Nicolo’s Italian Bakery and Deli, plus the neighboring building at 12 Baldwin St. The district’s busiest construction era ran from 1880 to 1937, according to the report described in the application coverage.
Project materials list MDZ Management as the applicant and describe a two-stage plan. Stage one calls for demolition of the two-family dwelling at 12 Baldwin St. and construction of a new three-story, nine-unit residential building. Stage two calls for demolition of 6 Baldwin St. and construction of a new mixed-use corner building with Nicolo’s on the ground floor and nine residential units above.
Montclair’s rules for housing and mixed-use projects with five or more units include a 20% affordable housing set-aside. The proposal is described as including at least three affordable units.
For mason contractors and masonry crews, one line in the application stands out: The new buildings are described as “masonry construction” with architectural elements intended to reference the historic character of the Pine Street Historic District. That puts exterior wall materials, detailing, and visual compatibility at the center of the public review.
An evaluation by Steven Smolyn, AIA, of Architectural Heritage Consultants LLC, focused on the demolition request. The report concluded that 12 Baldwin St. should be preserved based on its design and exterior, and it recommended modifying the plan to preserve historic elements. The same report said 6 Baldwin St. has been altered enough over time that preservation is not necessary.
Nicolo’s owner Donato Joseph “DJ” Zecchino told Montclair Girl the bakery is a tenant, is not seeking redevelopment, and opposes the plan. He also said the application states Nicolo’s supports the project, and he said that is untrue.
The meeting is set for Thursday, July 16, at 7:30 p.m. at the municipal building, 205 Claremont Ave., and is scheduled to be livestreamed.
Read the full, original article from Montclair Girl here.