A town that never changes at all isn't thriving. That's a fact of modern life. But it's just as true that local architecture – our homes, shops, bridges, stone walls and so on – helps define the character of where we live.
We've been excited that our input was requested on a major project in our home town: 50 Main Street, the redevelopment of the former Ashland Mills property. This is a big mixed-use (residential and commercial) development under the state's 40B initiative, a state statute that gives local zoning boards more flexibility to approve affordable housing.
The Main Street project is right in the heart of Ashland, close to the train station. With as many as 250 new living units planned on a historic site, this will have a big effect on the downtown Ashland's vibe.
GMT's input was focused on "massing enhancements." In this case, that term basically refers to suggesting exterior materials and textures to give the proposed site a more Federal style of architecture, which has been quite prevalent in our town since the 1800s.
The project's design team were collaborative and gracious in accepting these ideas, which will help retain our local historical character – even as the town grows and changes.