Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.
On October 27, 2026, the Lenox Historical Commission (LHC) held a public hearing to consider whether Spring Lawn Mansion and associated structures at 10 Kemble Street should be designated “preferably preserved” under the town’s demolition delay bylaw. The commissioners previously found the buildings historically significant; a preferably-preserved designation would trigger a 12-month demolition delay. The applicant team proposed to demolish the mansion and two outbuildings, reconstruct the mansion as a contemporary recreation, and build 14 residential units, while rehabilitating the carriage house. After presentations, commission questions, and public comment, the LHC postponed its decision to a special meeting within 14 days.
Historical Commission has previously determined that the Spring Lawn Mansion and the other structures proposed for demolition are significant buildings under the demolition delay bylaw. The purpose of the public hearing is to receive information and public comment and to determine whether the buildings should be designated preferably preserved. A determination that a building is preferably preserved would subject the proposed demolition to a 12-month demolition delay provided for under the bylaw. Where's the page down on this? This will be our agenda. And we'll start momentarily with a moment to open the public hearing. We'll read the ground rules in a minute. We'll review the demolition delay by law. We'll have a presentation by the applicant, the spring lawn investors. There seems to be some feedback or something. So this is the one that's active? Yes. Okay. So there'll be a presentation by the applicant, Spring Lawn investors. There'll also be questions from historical commission members to the applicant. There'll also be question there be a presentation by the applicant, Spring Lawn investors. There'll be questions from Historical Commission members to the applicant. Then we'll open the meeting for public comment. There will be an applicant response to the public comment. Final questions from LHC members. Then a motion vote from the LHC to close the evidentiary portion of the hearing. A motion vote from the commission to decide if structures are preferably preferably preserved and authorize the chair to write the decision or to schedule a special meeting so to do within 14 days. Finally, there'll be a motion vote to close the public hearing. So that's our agenda. Some ground rules for tonight's public hearing when we get to the public commentary. Please bear this question in mind when speaking. Three, the commission has already determined that the spring lawn estate is historically significant. Therefore, there will be no debate nor question and answers other than questions directed to the commission. The first speaker when we open open this up will be represent the petitioner, Spring Lawn Investors, and as petitioners, they will have ample time to present their case. When we move to comments from the public in order to hear from everyone, please limit your remarks to no more than three minutes. When you are called upon to speak, please come up to the microphone and state your name and address for the record. Finally, please remember that your remarks will be recorded and may be used at future hearings and meetings. So at this moment I'd like to make a motion to open the public hearing. Second. All in favor? Aye. Okay, the meeting is now open. I want to introduce the before we get to the remarks of the applicant or any public remarks. I just want to do a brief tutorial on the demolition delay by law that was adopted by the town in 2019. It was enacted for the purpose of preserving and protecting significant buildings, streetscapes, and neighborhoods within Linux, which constitute or reflect distinctive features of the architectural, cultural, economic, political, or social history of the town, and to limit the detrimental effect of the demolition on the character of the town. The procedure for determining preferably preserved status starts when the owner of a building applies to the building commissioner to demolish the structure. If the building is more than 75 years old, the building commissioner refers the matter to the historical commission. If the historical commission determines the building is significant, a public hearing is held within 30 days to consider whether the building should be preferably preserved. After the public hearing or within 14 days, the historical commission determines whether the building is preferably preserved.