NOTICES: Historic Districts Commission Issues 'Certificate of Appropriateness' for Groton Inn, Final Hurdle in Permitting Process
The July 1 granting of a 'certificate of appropriateness' for the New Groton Inn by the Historic Districts Commission is about as good a guarantee as anybody could have that the new Inn will meet the visual and aesthetic needs as Main Street's gateway building complex.
Like the keystone in a stone arch, the final stone making all the other stones work together, the one stone making an arch self supporting, the new Groton Inn will become, as it used to be, the most essential commercial building on Main Street. The Historic District Commissions record of influencing and guiding recent important development is on track and their reputation continues to grow.
The HDC's vote preceded a review of various concerns including lighting, landscaping and plans for recovery of architectural artifacts discovered during construction. The vote was also contingent on building any retaining walls in a New England style, a requirement that materials used for construction be consistent with historic information and that the HDC review and approve paint colors before application.
In addition, the HDC questioned the architect about door, window, shingle and gutter styles and the columns supporting the porch, the porch being a distinctive feature of both the old and new Inns. There was also discussion of extending the front porch around the building to minimize the massiveness of a proposed fireplace.
After granting the 'certificate of appropriateness', Richard Cooper, one of the partners of the development team for the Inn said that he felt the process of attaining the permits for construction had been 'collaborative and creative' and that the new Inn would be a "benefit for the entire community."
According to Chris Ferris, partner with Richard Cooper in their development company, 128 Main Street LLC, they plan to complete purchase of the property from long-term owner George Pergantis shortly with the intention of beginning construction in August.