The Back Bay Architectural Commission will hold a virtual public hearing on 5/13/2026 beginning at 5 p.m.. This meeting will be held exclusively online. Participants can join via Zoom at https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1616110852 or by calling 646-828-7666 with Meeting ID 161 611 0852. Written comments may be submitted to [email protected].
I. Design Review Public Hearing – 5 p.m.
The commission will begin by ratifying the minutes from the 4-8-2026 public hearing. The following design review applications will be considered:
• 263 Clarendon Street (APP # 26.0565 BB): Applicant Alexander Porter proposes renovating an existing residential building for elementary educational use. Work includes replacing all windows, reconstructing the front entry stoop for an interior lift, creating an accessible entrance, replacing the rear fence, constructing a new addition, and installing a roof skylight and mechanical equipment. This project was continued from a subcommittee on 1-14-2026.
• 308 Commonwealth Avenue (APP # 26.0900 BB): Applicant Michael Jammen proposes removing an Ailanthus tree from the rear yard.
• 116 Beacon Street (APP # 26.0821 BB): Applicant Paul McBrine of Fisher College proposes replacing a Chestnut tree with a Magnolia tree in the front garden.
• 334 Beacon Street (APP # 26.0831 BB): Applicant Mark Froot proposes enclosing an unapproved heat pump at the rear deck.
• 226 Beacon Street (APP # 26.0879 BB): Applicant Eric Daum proposes replacing 16 windows with historically appropriate wood windows, reconstructing the entry portico and stoop, restoring the rusticated base, and reconstructing the historic street fence. Rear work includes replacing the roof membrane, installing an outdoor kitchen, and repairing masonry.
• 395 Commonwealth Avenue (APP # 26.0905 BB): Applicant Chase Davis proposes replacing upper floor windows, recreating historic stained glass, and refreshing landscaping at the front. Rear work includes removing a basement addition and creating a new parking area and garage access.
• 169 Commonwealth Avenue (APP # 26.0896 BB): Applicant Zachary Millay proposes replacing front windows in-kind, removing the rear fire escape, and erecting a roof penthouse and deck.
II. Administrative Review/Approval
The following projects have been identified as meeting eligibility criteria for staff-level approval and will be ratified at this hearing. Applicants for these items need not appear.
• 136 Beacon Street: Replace six third-story windows (APP # 26.0815 BB) and replace the rear fire escape (APP # 26.0846 BB).
• 150 Beacon Street (APP # 26.0803 BB): Replace five second-story windows.
• 311 Beacon Street (APP # 26.0823 BB): Repair front facade masonry.
• 352 Beacon Street (APP # 26.0912 BB): Replace window trim, repoint masonry, and replace gutters/downspouts in-kind.
• 358 Beacon Street (APP # 26.0880 BB): Replace four side-elevation wood windows in-kind.
• 409 Beacon Street (APP # 26.0902 BB): Replace existing roof deck in-kind.
• 534 Beacon Street (APP # 26.0863 BB): Replace eight fourth-story rear windows.
• 551 Boylston Street (APP # 26.0914 BB): Replace 16 windows in-kind.
• 116 Commonwealth Avenue (APP # 26.0919 BB): Replace deteriorated wood trim at Mansard roofs.
• 199 Commonwealth Avenue (APP # 26.0817 BB): Replace rubber membrane roofing and repoint masonry.
• 260-262 Commonwealth Avenue (APP # 26.0756 BB): Replace 16 second-story windows.
• 283 Commonwealth Avenue (APP # 26.0853 BB): Replace 11 windows.
• 321 Commonwealth Avenue (APP # 26.0837 BB): Replace roof slate and copper roofing, and repaint fire escapes.
• 333 Commonwealth Avenue (APP # 26.0801 BB): Restore rear window and bricked-in opening.
• 86 Marlborough Street (APP # 26.0857 BB): Repair rear fire escape.
• 167 Marlborough Street (APP # 26.0903 BB): Repair and repoint front masonry.
• 241 Marlborough Street (APP # 26.0883 BB): Repair and repoint masonry at front and rear.
• 356 Marlborough Street (APP # 26.0757 BB): Restore front entry steps.
• 381 Marlborough Street (APP # 26.0894 BB): Replace seven third-story windows in-kind.
• 396 Marlborough Street (APP # 26.0890 BB): Repair and repoint front masonry.
• 119 Newbury Street (APP # 26.0849 BB): Install wall and window signage.
• 130 Newbury Street (APP # 26.0917 BB): Replace existing wall sign.
• 175 Newbury Street (APP # 26.0904 BB): Replace roof membrane and skylight in-kind.
• 268 Newbury Street (APP # 26.0895 BB): Install blade sign on existing bracket.
• 269 Newbury Street (APP # 26.0725 BB): Replace existing sign at entrance arch.
Projected Adjournment: 7:30 p.m..