Weston Historical Commission clears Case House renovation plan, schedules fall town meeting vote

WESTON — July 10, 2018 — Weston Historical Commission advances Case House renovation and acts on three demolition delay cases at July meeting. The commission received a detailed update from project architect Wendell Kelso, who described plans to restore the 1899 mansion's demolished porte-cochere, install an elevator without altering the building's four public elevations, and retain a 1951 addition for school department use, with the project heading to bid in the fall ahead of a November special town meeting vote. On demolition delay matters, the commission unanimously declared three properties historically significant: the 1785 Artemis Ward House at 543 Boston Post Road, a 1920s gambrel at 301 Meadowbrook Road, and the 1891 Sheehan House at 484 Comfort Road. Proposed rear-lot changes at 543 Boston Post Road were approved without a public hearing after the commission found them "not detrimental" to the historic structure; the Meadowbrook Road project was referred to an August 7 public hearing because, as one member noted, it is "a very, very visible house." A draft preservation restriction appraisal for 71 Lexington Street pegged the value of prohibiting any addition at $75,000, but no vote was taken as the commission continued discussion with the property owner.