HDC OKs Kline’s Furniture site project

By Dave Choate

Posted Feb. 5, 2009 @ 2:00 am

PORTSMOUTH — The Historic District Commission gave the nod to a planned project on the current site of Kline’s Furniture, moving it ahead to the site review process.

The commission voted unanimously to grant a certificate of appropriateness for the project with stipulations. The estimated $14.6 million project would create a mixed retail and residential building and a residential-only building on the lot, one 3.5 and one 4.5 stories, through the course of three phases that will begin with the construction of the residential condominiums structure facing Tanner Street.

The presentation by project representative Jennifer Ramsey of SOMMA Studios went over materials and details for both buildings. Following the presentation and discussion, commissioners said they were happy with the status of the project and its fit on Islington Street.

“I feel they’ve done a good job of picking up some details from corresponding buildings on Islington Street,” commissioner Jonathan Wyckoff said.

The iconic Kline’s Furniture building, which has stood on Islington Street for the past 71 years, would be demolished to make way for the development. Kline’s closed in December.

Ramsey said she was glad to move the process along after several work sessions last year beginning in February 2008.

“It’s been a long year. Putting the time in pays off,” she said. ”

Residents Chris Comtois and his fiancee, Katie Bartko, who said they live about 100 feet away from the current Kline’s building, expressed concern with the demolition issue.

City Planner David Holden said demolition issues would be dealt with during site review, but also praised the overall direction of the project.

“We’re excited to see how this is going to move forward,” Comtois said.

Also at Wednesday’s meeting, Chairwoman Sandra Dika and Vice Chairman Richard Katz were unanimously re-elected to their posts.

Article originally published on Seacoastonline.com and can be viewed at:

http://www.seacoastonline.com/article/20090205/News/902050413