Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Date: March 4, 2026
To: Members of the Heritage Preservation Commission
From: Mathias Hughey, Associate City Planner
Title
Certificate of Appropriateness for Rear Façade Rehabilitation at 312-314 Division St. S. - the McKay and Tosney Buildings.
Body
Action Requested:
The Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) is asked to review and approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for rehabilitating portions of the rear façade, and repair and addition of tile to the entryways at 312-314 Division St. S. - the McKay and Tosney Buildings.
Summary Report:
The applicant, The Green Room, LLC, is seeking approval to rehabilitate portions of the rear façade of the McKay and Tosney Buildings, located at 314 Division St. S. A detailed narrative of the scope of work is attached. Much of the proposed work qualifies as Minor Work according to the Land Development Code (LDC). However, several items were deemed to meet the definition of Major Work, and therefore the HPC is asked to review and approve the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for the project.
The following elements of the scope meet the definition of Minor Work:
1. Tuckpointing and masonry repairs on the north, south, and west facades, including the chimney
2. Repainting the north, south, and west façades with like colors (Downing Slate 2819 and Roman Column 7562)
The following elements of the scope meet the definition of Major Work:
1. Replacement of rear window sashes with new double-hung inserts without muntins
2. The replacement and addition of tile to the ground in the building’s front entries
The applicant proposes installing new window inserts that will preserve the existing exterior frames but without the muntins of the existing windows. These windows are not visible from Division St. S. It is not clear if these windows are original or if the original windows featured a similar design. Because the storefront windows were known to not be original, and featured a similar configuration, it was determined that this design element was likely a product of a later, colonial revival stylistic alteration, likely from the 1960’s. Storefront and upper-story windows along Division St. S. without the muntins were approved as part of a rehabilitation project in 2022.
The Division St. S. entryway to the upper-level apartments features a tile that likely dates from the later half of the 20th century. The tile is in disrepair and in need of replacement. The primary storefront entrance is concrete, and not original. The applicant is proposing to install matching floor tiles at both entrances. The proposed design is included in the scope of work and features small hexagonal tiles in a contemporary pattern with rectangular border tiles.
The repointing, repair, and repainting of the painted brick at the rear façade is consistent with routine maintenance and repair, the Design Guidelines, and the Preservation Standards for previously painted masonry.
Of the seven criteria to be considered by the HPC, the required finding is met, two are not applicable, and four are met. Attached is a draft resolution for the HPC to review with the analysis of the criteria. HPC members can contact staff in advance to make edits if there are any proposed changes.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness for restoring portions of the rear façade, and repair and addition of tile to the entryways at 312-314 Division St. S. - the McKay and Tosney Buildings.
City Plans & Policies Relevance:
Approval of the project is consistent with the City’s plans. The Comprehensive Plan identifies the following strategies that would be advanced by this project:
Access:
Strategy 2: Develop in a compact, sustainable, and fiscally responsible pattern
Strategy 6: Design for resiliency and sustainability
Sustainable economic future:
Strategy 1: Strengthen Northfield’s Downtown Core
Resilient Infrastructure:
Strategy 5: Reduce solid waste through diversion, recycling, and reuse
Alternative Options:
The HPC could request additional information, approve with conditions, or deny the COA. Both of the latter options require modifying the resolution to provide justification and findings.
Financial Impacts:
N/A
Tentative Timelines:
N/A