SUBJECT:
Title
A Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Erie Approving a Certificate of Appropriateness for the Deconstruction and Reconstruction of the Shed and Brooder House at Schofield Farm
Department
DEPARTMENT: Parks & Recreation
Presenter
PRESENTER(S): Luke Bolinger, Director of Parks & Recreation
end
Time
TIME ESTIMATE: 0 minutes
end
Fiscal
FISCAL SUMMARY: N/A
Policy
POLICY ISSUES:
Per municipal code, a Certificate of Appropriateness is required for any physical work on a historically designated structure, and the deconstruction and reconstruction of the shed and brooder house at Schofield has met this requirement with HPAB’s unanimous recommendation for approval.
Recommendation
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the Certificate of Appropriateness.
Body
SUMMARY/KEY POINTS
• Per municipal code, Council must approve a Certificate of Appropriateness (CoA) for any physical work on a historically designated structure.
• The Schofield Barn rehabilitation will restore masonry, roofing, siding, windows, and doors, ensuring the structure can serve as an event, meeting, and interpretive space for the community.
• The Historic Preservation Advisory Board reviewed the project on July 28 and unanimously recommended approval of the CoA.
BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
Over the past several months, Town staff have collaborated closely with Form+Works Design Group and the State Historical Fund to develop construction documents for the rehabilitation of the Schofield shed and brooder house, both dating to approximately 1893-1896. To fulfill Schofield Farm’s vision as a functional community amenity, the shed will be repurposed as a public restroom, and the brooder house will support events through dedicated storage space.
Comprehensive assessments, including the Historic Structures Assessment, architectural guidance from Form+Works, and evaluations by a contractor specializing in historic preservation, concluded that the most responsible and historically appropriate approach is full deconstruction followed by reconstruction using salvaged materials. The existing structural elements are in severe deterioration and cannot safely support modern use or code requirements. Prior to dismantling, the contractor will document the buildings and salvage all reusable historic components, which will be reintroduced during reconstruction.
The contractor is already mobilized onsite for the previously approved barn rehabilitation project. Proceeding with deconstruction now avoids future remobilization costs and eliminates delays associated with bringing a preservation contractor back to the site. Acting at this stage yields both time and cost savings while ensuring continuity in craftsmanship and adherence to preservation standards.
Reconstruction will include a modern foundation and raising the building approximately 18 inches to meet required head clearance and building codes. Despite these interventions, the original form, massing, and character will be retained. Missing or unsalvageable materials will be replaced in kind, consistent with preservation best practices.
This approach aligns with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, ensuring long-term preservation while accommodating modern public use. Construction documents are currently at 50% completion, and staff will continue to coordinate with Form+Works, the contractor, and the State Historical Fund to uphold these standards throughout the project.
Per Town code, structures with historic designation require a Certificate of Appropriateness (CoA) before any physical work can proceed. Staff submitted a CoA application for this project and presented the project to the Historic Preservation Advisory Board (HPAB) on Oct. 27. HPAB unanimously voted to recommend approval of the CoA, and the request now moves to Council for final action.
priorities
TOWN COUNCIL PRIORITY(S) ADDRESSED:
☒ Attractive Community Amenities
☐ Engaged and Diverse Community
☒ Prosperous Economy
☐ Well-Maintained Transportation Infrastructure
☒ Small Town Feel
☐ Safe and Healthy Community
☒ Effective Governance
☐ Environmentally Sustainable
☒ Fiscally Responsible
attachments
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Resolution
2. Written Findings/Recommendation from HPAB
3. Application
4. Shed and Brooder House Narrative
5. Shed and Brooder House CoA Drawings