A public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, December 12, at the Public Works/Town Garage, starting at 7 pm.
The Medfield Historic District Commission is considering creating a new historic district, consisting of 38 properties, starting at the First Baptist Church (438 Main Street), where the current Town Center Historic District ends, to slightly past the intersection of Pound Street (ending at 339 Main Street). In addition to the Peak House (circa 1711), this new district would include the vulnerable Clark Tavern (circa 1743- 1773), the nearby Eliakim Morse Homestead ( circa1750), the George Innes Studio ( circa1830), and the Joshua Fisher House ( circa1750).
No decision has been made. An early step in the process is to hear from those residents who live in the proposed district. There are twenty-eight historic properties that would be included plus ten newer properties.
The purposes of an historic district is to:
- To preserve and protect the distinctive characteristics of buildings and places significant to the Commonwealth and Medfield.
- To maintain and improve the settings of those buildings and places.
- To assure that new construction is compatible with existing buildings in the district.
- To maintain the. integrity not only of individual structures but also of entire streetscapes.
Historic districts do not prevent changes from occurring, nor do they prevent new construction. The intent is to make changes and additions harmonious, and to prevent the intrusion of incongruous elements that might distract from the aesthetic and historic values of the district. The purpose of any local historic district is not to halt growth, but to allow for thoughtful consideration of change.
Letter Sent to Property Owners
Preliminary Summary Report
Map of Proposed Peak House Historic District
HDC Guidelines for Change