The primary focus of the meeting was an application concerning the North Baptist Church located on Jersey Avenue, a significant structure within the Haramus Cove Historic District. The building, constructed in 1887 and partially destroyed by fire in 1978, has been earmarked for conversion into a 14-unit residential complex. This proposal, submitted by JCH Development LLC, aims to preserve the church’s historic character while adapting it for contemporary use.

Architect Manny Pereira presented the project’s details. Pereira noted the church’s architectural heritage and the various damages it has sustained over the years, including fire damage and facade alterations from the 1930s. The proposal involves restoring original features, such as window designs and brickwork, while introducing modern amenities like ADA-compliant entrances.

A point of contention arose over the design of the south facade. Commissioners questioned the decision not to recreate the facade based on historical evidence, expressing concerns about the large expanse of glass and its interaction with the overall architectural language. Despite the innovative approach to blending historical and contemporary elements, there was a consensus that further refinement was needed to ensure the design aligned with the building’s historical integrity.

The urgency of the project was accentuated by the applicant’s representative, who described the building as an imminent hazard, stating that it was “ready to collapse.” The applicant emphasized the need for timely approval to prevent further deterioration. However, the commission stressed that any proposal must meet detailed standards and comply with established guidelines before approval could be granted.

In addition to the church redevelopment, the commission also deliberated on a demolition application for a property on Sherman Place. The building, described as retaining minimal historical integrity due to extensive modifications, was deemed by some commissioners as not meeting the criteria for preservation. Despite its inclusion in a survey identifying potentially contributing properties to the area’s historic character, the commission voted to prepare a resolution denying the demolition application. This decision was based on the belief that the building still holds sufficient integrity and contributes to the neighborhood’s historical context.