Gay Street developer gets approval from Berlin HDC

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer

(April 13, 2023) A couple of months after being told to go back to the drawing board, the developer of a proposed building at 19 Gay Street got the seal of approval from the Berlin Historic District Commission — and a few attending residents — on April 5.

Architect Jonathon Selway detailed at the meeting the changes he made after he was told in February that the building needed more historic detailing to match the aesthetic of the town.

Selway has said that the three-story building will have commercial and residential space.

The main focus was on the facade itself, Selway said. Among the more noticeable changes were the gray section of the building pushed back seven feet from the brick facade, windows moved to a “more traditional placement” on the facade, the siding of the building colored a darker gray, steps added to the brickwork at the top of the parapet wall and lighting that gives the building “a more historic fixture, like a gas-lantern feel.”

“I do believe that the building has greatly benefitted from this process and it fits a lot better within the town fabric,” Selway said.

“When compared to Main Street, we believe that the building has become co- hesive with the town but it is still honest with its expression of the present time and the context (in which) it’s being built. We’re excited for the opportunity to bring this opportunity to the town.”

The commission raved in response.

“I’m just terribly impressed with how you took all of our random thoughts and what you created.” commission member Mary Moore said. “I’m loving that it wasn’t taken as personal criticism but as perhaps … trying to find the very best.

“My eye was jumping (from one fea-