301 Essex Street (Jerry's) at the Design Review Board

The following letter was submitted to the Design Review Board prior to their January 25, 2023 meeting. You can find other meeting materials and comment letters here: Design Review Board Meeting | salemma under the link "DRB Meeting Materials"
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Mr. Paul Durand, Chair
Design Review Board
98 Washington Street
Salem, MA  01970 
 
Dear Mr. Durand,
 
On behalf of Historic Salem, Inc., I submit the following comments on the proposed addition to the “Jerry’s” building at 301 Essex Street. We appreciate the work of the DRB and the SRA as this project has gone back and forth between the boards. We think that this level of review is appropriate for this key building in its prominent downtown corner location, and we observe that the project’s design is progressing as this iterative process continues.
 
There are many specific design elements that we appreciate and hope to see in the final project, as well as some features that we think must be removed to fit the context more appropriately. It is important that the new floors relate visually with the existing single-story building and the adjacent buildings.
 
Essex Street Elevation
This elevation is well designed and has the potential to enhance the streetscape of Essex Street. We appreciate the difference between the treatment of the vertical elements on the 3rd (2nd visible) floor and the 4th and 5th floors; the distinction between major and minor vertical structure that is illustrated best in the perspective rendering; the strong horizontal stone course at the 3rd floor echoed by the fragmented stone course between the 4th and 5th floors; and the strong cornice line. These elements create a satisfying integration of the new floors and the existing building. We are interested to learn what materials are proposed and to find out specifics of the original storefront restoration but are otherwise satisfied with the design of this elevation and hope that these successful elements remain.
 
Summer Street Elevation
We very much appreciate the way the design of the Essex Street elevation turns the corner onto Summer Street. We also welcome the simple but elegant brick detailing around the tri-window bays in the 2nd and 4th quarter of this elevation and the way the strong vertical band at the 3rd and 4th floors relates to the Salem Inn roof eaves.
 
We do not think that the grand columns and heavy cornice centered over the garage door is needed to emphasize this vehicular entrance and would like to see that entire element removed. In its place, additional windows like those that flank this feature would bring subtle depth and interest to this façade, while responding to the regularized window patterns found on the adjacent 1834 Salem Inn.
 
We would also strongly suggest that the proposed garage door be reevaluated. As shown, it introduces a very residential style into a building dominated by more commercial motifs. Our suggestion is that the design of the door and the door opening be informed by the ground level storefront details or the subdued form of the existing opening currently on that elevation.
 
On both elevations, the specific tone of the light colors needs to be better understood.
 
Finally, we ask the Design Review Board to consider the design of the set-back penthouse and how it will be perceived as one approaches from upper Essex Street. Color, material detailing and the railing along the roof line should be considered carefully.
 
Thank you for considering our comments. We encourage all parties to continue this thorough and rigorous review.
 
Respectfully,

Emily Udy
Senior Preservation Advocacy Advisor