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Present: Jack Alvarez, Dan Aulenti, Olga Bachilova, Bart Bauer, Neil Boornasian, Matthew Bronski, David Coe, Christina Contis, David Fixler, Jack Glassman, Rachel Gordon, Jean Marie Hall, Lisa Howe, Amy Cole Ives, Kimberly Konrad, Doug Manley, Bob Mathis, Henry Moss, Ivan Myjer, Chad Perry, Albert Rex, Deborah Robinson, Brian Roche, Susan Schur, Malcolm Smiley, Jonathan Smith, Laurie Soave, Bill Steelman, Robert Thomas, Erin Tobin, Eric Ward 1. Mass Historical Commission Statewide Preservation Conference: Bill Steelman visited to describe the planning for the coming conference in late September and canvass the committee about ideas for conference workshop topics. The location is likely to be western Massachusetts, perhaps in the Amherst area. The theme may be "Redefining Communities" in an attempt to find a more realistic understanding of how our current society relates to historic continuity and physical environments. Bart Bauer asked if people attendance is influenced by topics; Bill said that 50% of the attendees come no matter what.... Jean Marie Hall and David Fixler emphasized the importance of historic and post World War II schools as vulnerable, even embattled resources. Send your ideas to Bill.Steelman@sec.state.MA.US 2. Architecture Boston Topics: Following smoothly from the MHC conference discussion, several committee members suggested possible topics for articles or panel discussions in an issue of Architecture Boston largely dedicated to historic preservation or its antithesis. Deane Rykerson suggested that there be a comparison to the philosophies and solutions of the environmental movement. Brian Roche proposed an article demonstrating the basic issues of stained glass protection and preservation. Henry Moss distributed a short list of conceptual, technical, and resource-based subjects to consider. Ivan Myjer and Lisa Howe discussed the lack of technical essays produced in the United States, especially during the past two decades. Ivan, twisting the lion's tail, noted the over dependence on British publications, especially in book form. Lisa suggested that shorter, frequently revised technical notes and Preservation Briefs are a better way to produce and distribute technical information for today's practitioners. Amy Cole Ives and Matthew Bronski said that the National Park Service's updated Preservation Briefs profit from revision with new material. Henry asked the committee to think further and suggested that a subcommittee might meet to propose a list of topics for development by specific people in different formats. 3. This Old House: Committee members swapped This Old House atrocity stories until Jon Smith pointed out that their approach typified the view that historic preservation consists of a maze of regulations that defy common sense and (like the tax code) capture most building owners' imaginations as a course of arbitrary obstacles. Susan Schur applauded the Loews Handyman Show done by Bob Yapp from Chicago, now canceled. That show was not sponsored by building products manufacturers. Albert Rex explained that previous criticisms of the PBS show always brought the response: "We respond to the homeowners' desires." Eric Ward watches This Old House, therefore he can be the committee's watchdog and stoke our righteous indignation whenever it shows signs of faltering. 4. Revised Energy Code: Wagdy Anis visited the committee and said that now that Article 13 is revised, he and David Weitz are now working with a group on changes that will affect Chapter 34 of the Massachusetts State Building Code. He expects the revisions to exempt solid masonry from insulation requirements. This is meant to discourage the introduction of vapor barriers and plasterboard finishes on the interior surfaces of heavy brick construction, as these walls should be able to dry towards the interior during the winter. 5. Mclellan Swett Mansion, Portland ME: Amy Cole Ives showed images of timber lintel decay in this grand masonry house and asked for guidance from the committee about methods for checking for deterioration and attitudes towards repair and replacement. Most responses did not shy away from plaster removal for visual inspection and "ice pick" tests. David Coe reminded us that these lintels carry very little load and that their biggest task may be to provide a stable surface for attaching lath and plaster. Therefore, if they can be kept dry, even those that show some signs of decay may be left in place. 6. APT Northeast Region: A move to awaken and expand the influence of an APT chapter that had declined in New York is now in progress. Still New York based, APT Northeast boasts local board members, Lisa Howe of Goody Clancy and Brent Gabby of Simpson, Gumpertz and Heger. Our Ithaca friend and sometimes colleague, Kent Diebolt is another mainspring. Activities will kick-off in New York City this spring with plans developing for a tour in Boston. Lisa is your best contact for further information. 7. April at the Meeting House: Albert Rex announced Middays at the Meetinghouse will be dedicated to Preservation topics. Albert, a recently ordained expert on 19th and early 20th century shopping emporia will explain their emergence and disappearance. Boston By Foot will lead walking tours of the terra cotta buildings around Downtown Crossing. Lance Olson will speak on historic theaters. [These are good topics, good speakers, and Old South Meetinghouse deserves your attention for the fine rehabilitation and restoration done by Stahl Associates in association with the National Park Service about five years ago.] 8: 00 a.m., Thursday, April 12, 2001 The Architects' Building, Fifth Floor 52 Broad Street, Boston Henry Moss, Matthew Bronski, and Sara Wermiel, Co-Chairs |