Consider for recommendation to the Board of Commissioners approval to demolish abandoned mill buildings for the construction of a six-story, 84-unit senior living apartment building.

On September 24, 2018, the Historical Commission recommended approval of the demolition of the existing mill buildings and construction of the proposed new structure with site improvements,subject to the following conditions:

1.       Delay demolition until the new development and construction plans are fully approved by the Township and other regulatory agencies, and construction is to immediately begin.

2.      Retention of landscape features, including stone retaining walls such as those along the hillside and along Gulley Run.

3.      Provide a Historic Structures Report to document all resources to be demolished, including additional research, measured plans and elevations, complete photographic documentation of the interiors and exteriors, and a more detailed physical description.

4.      Salvage of existing building components and components from the site, including stone from a northeast retaining wall, as well as provisions in the demolition contract to advance re-use and salvage of existing materials from the buildings.

5.      Design of the new construction to reflect the architecture of the historic buildings.

6.      Use historic names associated with the mill history of the complex, with staff to review.

7.      Provide interpretive signage in public spaces to relay the history of the site, with staff to review.

The Historical Commission requests samples and product cut-sheets of the proposed materials for the exterior of the building, with a subcommittee to review these details.