The Stoneham Planning Board has issued a special permit to allow an adaptive reuse project plan at 477 Main Street that will keep the 1875 Onslow Gilmore House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means the house has been saved from demolition.
The Stoneham Historical Society & Museum worked with the Stoneham Historical Commission on a campaign to raise awareness about the danger to the house and encourage the public to get involved.
A local developer, Mike Santullo, purchased 477 Main and is working through the steps to add four 2-bedroom condos, while retaining the beautiful historic house facing Main Street, converting the current offices into 3 condos for a total of 7.
The Zoning Board of Appeals approved variances needed for the project May 23, but there was a question about the Planning Board’s consent for a special permit. Without the permit, the developer would have likely knocked the building down. With the current zoning he could demolish the building and build five condos “by right” without any special permission from the Planning Board. That was the original plan, but when he realized the beauty of the house’s interior details began working on a plan that would save the house.
220 people signed a petition to the Planning Board to retain the house, and over a dozen attended the Planning Board Meeting August 14 to support the special permit, with many comments on how historic structures such as this help bind communities together and give residents a sense of continuity and permanence.
Thanks to everyone who helped the campaign. We are thrilled that we could play a part in saving this beautiful and distinctive house for future generations.
