Wellesley Historical Commission clears partial demolitions at two historic homes

WELLESLEY -- March 10, 2025, Wellesley Historical Commission approves partial demolitions at two historic homes in unanimous 7-0 votes. The commission cleared work at 855 Washington St., the 1855 slate-sided gardener's cottage on the Hunnewell estate designed by H.H. Hunnewell, where applicant George Hunnewell and architects Lyle and Rosa proposed replacing 1958-1959 and 1980s additions while exposing all four corners of the original cottage. Member Jackie Hempel called it "my favorite kind of thing," contrasting it with teardowns that "get the biggest footprint you possibly can." The board also approved a 53 percent partial demolition at 20 Tappan Road, a 1929 Colonial Revival by Eliza Newkirk Rogers that had been deemed preferably preserved in 2021 before the grace period expired in November 2024. Builder Mike Lynch said the craftsman-style renovation adds about 260 square feet, bringing the house to 2,700 square feet.