HomeMy WebLinkAbout55 Route 28 Demolition Request Aug 2025TOWN OF YARMOUTH
Notice of Meeting
Per M.G.L.: All town and school boards, committees, commissions, and authorities shall post a notice of every
meeting at least 48 hours prior to such meeting, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. Notice shall
contain a listing of topics/agenda that the Chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed at the meeting. As required
by Open Meeting Law and Mass. General Law, we are informing you that this meeting may be video and audio
recorded. Anyone intending to video or audio tape this meeting is required to inform the Chair.
Name
of
Yarmouth Historical Commission
Board:
Date of
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Meeting
Time:
2:00 PM
Yarmouth Town Hall — Conference Room A, 1146 Route 28, South Yarmouth, MA
OR
Place:
Zoom Link: httas://us02web.zoom.usli182951295166
ID: 829 5129 5166
This is to formally advise that, as required by G.L. Chapter 30A, §§ 18-25, and pursuant to Chapter 20 of the Acts
of 2021, An Act Relative to Extending Certain COVID-19 Measures Adopted During the State of Emergency, signed
into law on June 16, 2021, as extended by Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023, the Yarmouth Historical Commission will
hold a public meeting on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 2:00 PM in Room A, Yarmouth Town Hall, 1146 Route 28,
South Yarmouth, MA 02664. The public is welcome to attend either in -person or via the alternative public access
provided above.
AGENDA ITEMS
1. Call Meeting to Order (Julie)
2. Demolition Request
a. Becker's Package Store, 55 Route 28, West Yarmouth (Oscar Ramirez, John
Aharonian, William Lavery)
3. Adjournment
Posted by: L!6wShervnaw
Lisa Sherman, YHC Administrator
,Md
'SOWN OF ARouTH
1146 Roo C l 'S- SOUTH YAi[
Tele MtJ[J 1'11, MASSA{TIU5I;TTS 0266445I
r40Alton , (508) 398-2211 L'xt.1292 Fax (508) 398.0836
YARMOUTH HISTORICAL COMMISSION
NOTICE OF INTENT TO DEMOLISH A 14ISTORIC BUILDING
To ble submitted to the YHo 410MO with Demolition Permit Applicctloo
Date of Application:
Demolition: (circle one); P-aNal or �l
B- �4�kr
uilding Address,.
f
Assessor'S Map # 36 Parcel # 77
_ Year built:fta
son Building is Considered Historic (check all that apply).
Over 75 Years Old
Looated In the South Yarmouth/Bass River National Register Historic District
Listed on National Register of Historic places
Resource for historic listings: Massachusetts Cuftural Resource Information System: www.mhc-maais.net
Property Owner:
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City/Town:
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State. Zip Code: O -'L 6 U
Phone#:
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Email:
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Signature:
Date:
Agent/Contractor:
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City/Town: Mo0,A )71,- State: A A- Zip Code: >
Phone#: Cell# �S - 7 3
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nature:
Rannon far demolition
Proposed reuse of ro rf
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I�scriion of structure to be dealolisr�ed: - V o-c�-,a - , �dA�
Pkease include with apPlicah"' si a l he structure being fall at g proposed f d
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Becker's Package Store
65 MA-28
West Yarmouth MA 02673
Barnstable County
Historical Report
July 2026
Prepared by:
A H A R 0 N I A N
& ASSOCIATES, INC.
ARCHITECTS
Backer's Package Store
West Yarmouth, MA
Historical Report
Table of Contents
1. History
2_ Locus Map
3. Existing Exterior Photographs
4. Existing Floor Plan
5. Appendix
A. Existing Site Plan
B. Proposed Site Plan
C. Original Becker's Package Store
D. Current Becker's Package Store
E. Proposed Becker's Package Store
Aharonian & Associates Inc.
July 2025 Page 12 01
Backer's Package Store
West Yarmouth, MA
Historical Report
1 History
Becker's Package Store stands as a testament to the enduring small business tradition of West Yarmouth,
Massachusetts. Established in 1935 by Vincent D. Becker, the store was among the early retail liquor
establishments in the area following the repeal of Prohibition. Situated on the south side of Route 28, the
store became a familiar stop for locals and seasonal visitors alike.
West Yarmouth, one of the villages in the Town of Yarmouth on Cape Cod, has roots dating back to the
17th century. Originally a maritime and agricultural community, West Yarmouth evolved over time into a
seasonal resort destination, particularly after the expansion of automobile tourism in the early 20th century.
By the 1930s, Route 28 had become a major artery for Cape Cod travelers, giving rise to a wave of roadside
businesses catering to both residents and vacationers. Becker's Package Store emerged during this
transformative period, contributing to the town's shift from a farming economy to one centered on tourism
and retail.
Founding and Early Years (1935-1939)
The structure that would house Becker's Package Store was constructed in 1935 by Vincent D. Becker on
the property of George Drew, off route 28. A small, functional building featured a single floor, one room,
and a cellar for storage. Town records note that the property had one front and one rear entrance, with a
door to the cellar located on the exterior of the building,
On April 14, 1939, the Town of Yarmouth Licensing Board announced a public hearing to consider Becker's
application for a Retail Package Goods Store License. The license, seasonal in nature, would allow the
sale of all kinds of alcoholic beverages. This marked a formal step in the store's operation and aligned with
growing commercial activity along Route 28 during that period.
Mid -Century Operations and Cultural Significance (1940s-1950s)
A photograph from between 1940 and 1950 captures the store's exterior during its early decades. The
Image shows a Budweiser beer wagon drawn by white horses in front of the building, a promotional scene
that reflects the store's active participation in mid-century American beer culture and marketing. Prominent
signage above the storefront advertises "Becker's Bottled Goods' and brands such as Dawson's Ale and
Budweiser, affirming its role as a neighborhood vendor of popular alcoholic beverages.
This visual not only offers architectural context but also speaks to the business's visibility and engagement
with broader national brands during the era. The photograph reveals a modest yet distinctly New England
commercial structure, clad in white wooden lap siding, which was typical of mid-20th century Cape Cod
architecture_ The building features a gable -style roof with asphalt shingles, lending it a residential charm
that blended naturally with the surrounding village landscape. Double -hung windows with multiple panes
can be seen on either side of the front entrance, framed with wood trim, allowing natural light into the single -
room retail space.
Aharon an & Associates. Inc. ram,
July 2025 Page 13 I�7QJ
Becker's Package Store
West Yarmouth, MA
Historical Report
Ownership Under Olga and Chris Terpos (c. 1960-1990's)
Between approximately 1960 and 1970, ownership of Becker's Package Store transitioned to Olga and
Chris Terpos, who operated the business until 1990's. Under their ownership, the store maintained its
seasonal character while continuing to serve as a reliable neighborhood destination for package goods.
The Terpos family s long stewardship helped preserve the store's identity during a period of increased
development and modernization across Cape Cod.
While specific architectural modifications during this period are not documented here, it is likely that the
store underwent updates to meet evolving commercial regulations and consumer expectations such as the
now -existing rear addition. Over time, Becker's transitioned from its original gable -roofed, wood -clad
cottage -style structure into a mid -to -late 20th century commercial form. Today, the building features a flat
roof with a prominent blue metal awning that wraps around the front and side fagades. The once centrally
located entrance has been relocated to the street corner, creating a more accessible entry point for both
foot and vehicle traffic. The original double -hung windows have been replaced by larger, commercial -grade
glass storefront windows to maximize interior visibility and product advertising which was a common
adaptation in retail spaces of the later 20th century. The wooden lap siding has either been covered or
replaced with a vertical wood siding, giving the exterior a vastly different appearance than it's 1930's
counterpart.
Legacy and Historical Value
Becker's Package Store is more than a retail building; it is a small but meaningful chapter in the commercial
and cultural story of West Yarmouth. From its origins in the shadow of Prohibition to its decades of family
ownership and community presence, it represents a slice of life on mid-century Cape Cod.
Its legacy is preserved in archival materials, town records, and photographs that collectively highlight its
importance to the local community and its role in shaping the character of Route 28's commercial corridor.
Aharonian & Associates, Inc. rn
July 2025 Page 14 IVA�
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Becker's Package Store
West Yarmouth, MA
Historical Report
3 Existing Exterior Photographs
Photo 1
Front (North Elevation) of
Becker's Package Store.
Phntn 2
Side (East Elevation) of
the Becker's Package Store.
Aharonian & Associates, Inc.
July 2025 Page 16
Becker's Package Store
West Yarmouth, MA
Historical Report
Photo 3
Rear (South Elevation) of
the Becker's Package Store.
Photo 4
Partial side
(South West Elevation) of
the
Rharonian & Associates. Inc.
July 2025 Page 17
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Becker's Package Store
West Yarmouth, MA
Historical Report
4 Existing Floor Plan
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Aharonran & Associates Inc. r� ,
July 2025 Page 19 I�]/1
Becker's Package Store
West Yarmouth, MA
Historical Report
5 Appendix
See Appendix A for the following:
A. Existing Historic Site Plan
B. Proposed Site Plan
C. Original Becker's Package Store
D. Present Day Becker's Package Store
E. Proposed Becker's Package Store
Aharonian & Associates, Inc_
July 2025 Page 110