HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter to Campground Assoc from W GlassMarch 8, 2023
G2 ARCHITECTURE, INC.
RECFIVD
Board of Directors MAY A 5 2023
Yarmouth Campground Association r�rsmUu i r.
pgT nr n
Re: Reconstruction of Wellfleet Ave., Yarmouth Campground, W. Yarmouth, MA
Dear Sirs,
Seldom in 45+ years as an architect do I have the pleasure of working on a jewel box project like this. I
raised my family in Washington Grove, MD which was likewise built as a Methodist summer camp in
suburban DC. The commonalities are the open area where a large tabernacle once stood, a railroad for
access, a lake and almost identical replacement buildings. All of the original tent replacement buildings
were 16/12 roofs and are cherished in an incorporated town of now +430 homes. I attach a lithograph
done by Joseph Craig English of an original 1880s Washington Grove home.
The homes were constructed once the original tents rotted away. I am not sure whether the 16/12 roof pitch
was to replicate the high center -pole look of the original tents or, as we were told in Washington Grove, it
was an attempt to reach closer to heaven.
6 Wellfleet is different that the later 1880 Gothic style homes in Yarmouth Campground in that it seems an
earlier structure c. 1875. The detailing is very simple and it should be noted that the original in -swinging
French glazed doors (probably 1'4" each) have been replaced with a 3'-0" in -swinging single door, hence
the dimension difference on either side of the existing door between the windows. Thus, this facade had
already been mutilated from the original. The out -swinging 4-lite windows on either side seem to be
original as does the 8-lite gable window. The finial on the front ridge has been broken or rotted away, but
will be replicated. It would seem fitting to move the decorative screen door brackets to the new facade.
We are showing two site plan options for your consideration. I believe it would be better to have the facade
address the street by being perpendicular to it. We also are supplying a scheme where the building remains
askew to the street. This is your call.
It is our plan to replicate the facade elements perfectly to the original, only with modem materials. My
hesitation is in attempting a restoration that I do not believe the existing facade can be restored and rebuilt;
the water rot and carpenter ant damage is significant.
Whether the new facia boards on the remainder of the new building should have decorative cut edges added
is also your call. I do not suggest this on the rebuilt original front facade as it was not on the original
building. However, the new building might benefit aesthetically from some period facia gingerbread.
Again, I leave this to your judgement and the Owner's desires.
I believe the cruciform plan shape is an appropriate design reference to the original religious mission of the
Campground.
Respectfully submitted,
William K. Glass, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP - FL AR92960
G2 Architecture, Inc.
3525 Bonita Beach Rd -- 110, Bonita Springs, FL 34134 239-877-2500 4vkt!lass;r%gn�aiLcc,r��
RFr. w-osed Construction
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•:• initially the operation will be saving the existing facade.
•:• Building an acceptable facsirnile on the west face of the new
two--bedroorn cottage.
•;• Eventual demolition of the existing facade upon approval of
the duplication in modern materials can the new cottage.
•:• Jonathan will be obtaining the perruit from the Town of
YarmoLIt T
•+• All Subcontractors will be obtaining permits, providing
insurance documentation, and employee waivers of
Mechanic's lain af:.cordincs to the currant industry practices.
❖ All demolition will be transported to one or both of the
following; Yarmouth Transfer Station and S &.) Exco SOLIth
Dennis.
•:• Approximately 18 trees will need to be taken down due to the
excavation proximity to the root systerns for the septic
system and foundation of the proposed cottage.