HDC approves changes to Nejaime’s

LENOX – The planned expansion of Nejaime’s Wine Cellars moved forward this week.

Plans drawn by John Barry of Barry Architects calling for a one-story, 1,880-square foot addition to the east side of the existing building that houses Nejaime’s was approved by the Lenox Historic District Commission (HDC).

The project will now head to the town’s zoning board for approval.

Mr. Barry explained the design changes to the board, clarifying that while the building is in the district, it is not a historic building, dating back to only the 1960s.

“We would consider it a non-historic building that can complement the look of the historic district,” said Mr. Barry. “Our intent is to carry the existing elements into the new design.”

HDC Chairman Jason Berger asked about the change of materials from the current all brick façade to the newer clapboard design.

“Yes, there was a cost consideration there,” said Mr. Barry. “But this will also give us more flexibility in the future.”

The issue of the siding materials would become the main sticking point with the board.

“The guidelines would say that we would need to see wood or brick siding,” said HDC Member Lucy Kennedy.

Chairman Berger then clarified the bylaw only states that material must have the appearance of wood not that the material must actually be wood.

“I would still say [referring to the sample provided] that this does not appear like wood to me,” said Ms. Kennedy.

She abstained from approving the project.

The owners will come before the board at a later date with changes to the current retaining wall behind the building, which will change during the renovations.

Nejaime’s is currently in a long-term lease for the building, which was purchased by Drew Davis in 2011 for $1.7 million.

Mr. Davis, who was in attendance at the HDC meeting, has looked to improve the lot since his purchase, including recent renovations to the other building on the lot, which houses the Lenox Post Office and several other businesses and offices.

Those improvements were a new roof, which was also approved by the HDC this spring, and several other “green” enhancements.

Posted by Kameron Z. Spaulding on October 18, 2012. Filed under Community News,Featured,News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry