Save 10 New Whale Street

To the editor: As an architect and historic preservationist practicing on Nantucket, I urge the Select Board to vacate the Historic District Commission’s recent decision to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for the demolition of 10 New Whale Street, and to remand the matter to the HDC for a proper and transparent review consistent with Building with Nantucket in Mind and the island’s demolition policy.

Ten New Whale Street is a contributing resource within the Nantucket National Historic Landmark District, an area designated for its exceptional concentration of 18th- and 19th-century architecture that collectively tells the story of the island’s maritime and mercantile heritage. The building stands as one of the few remaining early brick structures on the waterfront, its form and material integrity representing a tangible link to Nantucket’s era of commercial prosperity and architectural
refinement.

The building’s character-defining features include its Flemish bond brick masonry, granite lintels and sills, symmetrical façade, and restrained Federal-era proportions contribute to the architectural continuity and authenticity of the harbor front. These attributes are not merely decorative; they embody the craftsmanship and durability characteristic of Nantucket’s 19th-century building traditions. Their loss would not only diminish the island’s architectural diversity but also erode the cultural landscape that defines the waterfront’s sense of place.

Demolition is both unsustainable and unnecessary. The embodied energy within the existing masonry, framing, and finishes represents an irreplaceable environmental investment. Preservation through repair is the most sustainable option, aligning with the Town’s stated environmental goals and with long-standing preservation practice. Across New England, buildings in comparable or worse condition have been successfully stabilized and adapted for new use. The 19th-century brick
warehouses of Boston’s Long Wharf, the mercantile blocks of Salem’s Derby Street, and Nantucket’s own Hadwen & Barney Oil and Candle Factory (now the Whaling Museum) all demonstrate that thoughtful intervention through repointing, masonry consolidation, selective brick replacement, and discreet structural reinforcement can restore integrity and extend the life of historic masonry buildings for generations.

Adaptive reuse offers a viable, forward-looking alternative to demolition. Ten New Whale Street’s compact footprint and proximity to the harbor make it ideally suited for a range of community oriented and economically viable uses that maintain public connection to the waterfront while preserving its historic character. Possible adaptive reuses include:

• Maritime Heritage Center or Interpretive Gallery celebrating the working waterfront,
complementing the Whaling Museum and expanding public access to Nantucket’s maritime story.

• Artist studios or exhibition space, reinforcing the island’s reputation as a cultural hub while bringing activity and visibility to the harbor front.

• Small cafés , retail or local business incubator, encouraging economic diversity and year-round use without compromising the building’s scale or fabric.

• Office or meeting space for a non-profit organization, continuing the structure’s long tradition of commercial use in a form appropriate to contemporary needs.

These adaptive reuse models have proven successful throughout historic districts nationwide, balancing preservation, community vitality, and sustainability. They demonstrate that preserving 10 New Whale Street is not an act of nostalgia, but an investment in Nantucket’s cultural and economic resilience.

At the HDC’s July 8, 2025 meeting, public comment was unfairly limited, and expert testimony, most notably that of preservation mason Glenn Boornazian was not adequately considered. This omission undermines both the fairness and the credibility of the process. A comprehensive and equitable hearing is essential to ensure that decisions reflect accurate assessments of condition, responsibility for deterioration, and the full range of feasible preservation solutions.

In accordance with Building with Nantucket in Mind and the standards governing the National Historic Landmark District, I respectfully request that the Select Board vacate the HDC’s approval and remand the application for a complete and fair reconsideration, one that prioritizes preservation, sustainability, and adaptive reuse over demolition.

Respectfully submitted,

Michele Kolb