Amherst Historical Commission to review demo request at historic home

STAFF FILE PHOTO STAFF FILE PHOTO
Published: 01-02-2025 7:01 AM |
AMHERST — A rear two-story addition to an historic Lessey Street home, which is in the Emily Dickinson Local Historic District, could be demolished and rebuilt.
The Historical Commission will hold a hearing Monday at 7 p.m. under the Preservation of Historically Significant Buildings bylaw for a request to take down the back portion of 94 Lessey St. The addition is not visible from the road and faces the parking lot of an Amherst College dormitory.
The proposal is coming from the current property owners, Brian and Catherine Murphy.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in August 1977, the home has been part of the Dickinson Local Historic District since that was designated by the town in May 2012.
The Historical Commission can impose up to a a year-long delay if it determines that the building should be preferably preserved.
Built around 1870, the Chauncey W. Lessey and Melvina Lessey House is also known as the Levi Stockbridge and Joanna Smith House.
According to property details supplied to the Massachusetts Historical Commission, the Lesseys came to Amherst in 1865 and Chauncey Lessey, a builder, is credited with building the home, as well as the First Congregational Church. He also served on as chairman of the Board of Selectmen for five years and trustee of the Amherst Savings Bank.
Stockbridge, who owned the home into the early 20th century, was one of the primary founders of and a two-year president at Massachusetts Agricultural College, now known as the University of Massachusetts.
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The property also is described as an Italianate-style residence constructed with Stick style influences, with a one-and-one-half story, two-car garage, constructed in the early 20th century while owned by James A. and Marie Merrick. James Merrick was the proprietor of J.E. Merrick & Co, a general store, and a postmaster.
Also on the agenda for Monday’s meeting is a second hearing to approve a draft historic preservation restriction and discuss proposed exterior alterations at the Jewish Community of Amherst, 742 Main St.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.