Weston Historical Commission approves window replacements at three historic properties

WESTON — April 8, 2025 — Weston's Historical Commission unanimously approved window replacement projects at three significant properties and opened debate over a planned state bridge replacement. At its April 8 hybrid meeting, the commission cleared applications at 49 North Avenue (a 1786 colonial), 125 Newton Street (an 1870 Italianate farmhouse known as the James Cooper house), and 72 Cliff Road (a 1940s brick residence), with all three properties first voted significant before their applications were considered. The most technically novel approval involved triple-pane European tilt-turn windows from manufacturers Mack Rowan and Schuco at 125 Newton Street, presented by architect J.B. Clancy of Albert Reiter and Tipman Architects on behalf of owners Sylvia Whiteman and Gordon Whiteman — windows the commission noted have been approved by historic districts in Brookline, Newport, and New York City. A fourth application, for additions at the 1898 Edward Compton house at 30 Warren Avenue, was continued to May 6 after the applicant failed to appear and submitted drawings without elevation views. The commission also flagged concern over a MassDOT proposal to replace the Merriam Street railroad bridge with a steel-beam concrete-deck structure, with members recalling that the neighborhood had strongly opposed a similar replacement in a prior review.