The Back Bay Architectural Commission (BBAC) will hold a virtual public hearing on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, beginning at 4:30 PM. The hearing will address violations, design review applications, and administrative approvals for various properties within the historic Back Bay district.
Meeting Details:
Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Time: Violations Subcommittee at 4:30 PM; Design Review Public Hearing at 5:00 PM
Format: Virtual only (Zoom)
Zoom Link: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1614848222
Telephone: 646-828-7666 (Meeting ID: 161 484 8222)
Contact for Comments: [email protected]
Agenda Highlights:
I. Violations Subcommittee (4:30 PM)
• 72 Commonwealth Avenue (VIO.26.1016): Unapproved masonry repairs at front facade. (Continued from 12-10-2025 Hearing)
• 416 Marlborough Street (VIO.26.1015): Unapproved lattice wood enclosure at Marlborough Street. (Continued from 12-10-2025 Hearing)
• 345 Beacon Street (VIO.26.1014): Unapproved masonry work at front facade, and unapproved removal of tree and landscape work at front garden. (Continued from 12-10-2025 Hearing)
II. Design Review Public Hearing (5:00 PM)
• 332-338 Newbury Street (APP # 26.0530 BB)
Applicant: Mike Coates
Proposed Work: Masterplan for signage.
• 302 Beacon Street (APP # 26.0487 BB)
Applicant: Douglas Mills
Proposed Work: Request to amend the Commission’s 2023 approval that required the replacement of the existing stonework below the front facade’s first story windows with brick. The applicant seeks to retain the existing stonework in place. (Continued from 12-10-2025 Hearing)
• 463 Beacon Street (APP # 26.0564 BB)
Applicant: Stephen Hiserodt
Proposed Work: Changes to work previously approved on 9/10/2025.
Front Facade: Change design and configuration of previously approved fifth-story wood doors and add additional opening.
Rear Elevation: Enlarge openings for emergency egress requirements, enlarge previously approved openings at fifth-story to accommodate French doors, and enlarge window openings below existing decorative arched windows.
• 192 Commonwealth Avenue (APP # 26.0567 BB)
Applicant: Natasha Espada
Proposed Work: At roof, alter two existing elevator machine rooms. Work includes installing two sets of metal stairs, installing a new entry door, and installing guardrails.
• 192 Marlborough Street (APP # 26.0512 BB)
Applicant: Andrew Reck
Proposed Work: At roof, install deck, headhouse, and mechanical equipment.
• 263 Clarendon Street (APP # 26.0565 BB)
Applicant: Alexander Porter
Proposed Work: Renovation of existing residential building to accommodate elementary educational use.
Replacement of all windows.
Front Facade: Reconstructing entry stoop to provide access to interior lift and creating an accessible entrance.
Rear Elevation: Replacing existing fence, demolishing existing addition and constructing a one-story addition, constructing egress stairs, enlarging rear window openings to provide access to egress stairs.
Roof: Installing skylight and mechanical equipment.
• 32 Commonwealth Avenue (APP # 26.0552 BB)
Applicant: Guy Grassi
Proposed Work:
Replace all existing fourth and fifth-story windows with historically appropriate wood windows.
Roof: Replace rubber membrane roofing, reconfigure and enlarge decks, replace existing skylights with enlarged skylight, and relocate and add additional mechanical equipment and ventilation systems.
• 285 Commonwealth Avenue (APP # 26.0568 BB)
Applicant: Guy Grassi
Proposed Work: Replace all windows, and clean, repair and repoint masonry.
Front Facade: Remove non-original lower level entrance and stairs and restore window opening; remove existing window grill at lower level window; restore and re-landscape front garden (including replacing existing tree, restoring existing curbing and installing new fence); install granite pavers at entry walkway; replace intercom and repair/repaint railings; at fifth floor restore balustrade, install deck and railing, convert existing window opening into a door, and replace copper at Mansard roof.
Rear Elevation: Install brick pavers, brick wall and new plantings at driveway and parking area; install garage door; replace existing entry door; restore existing sconces and install sconces relocated from front facade; and repair existing oriel window.
Roof: Install mechanical equipment, skylight, deck, headhouse rubber membrane roof and live roof.
III. ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW/APPROVAL
The following applications have been identified as eligible for expedited review and will be approved at this hearing:
• 273 Beacon Street (APP # 26.0542 BB): At roof install skylight.
• 148 Commonwealth Avenue (APP # 26.0562 BB): At roof replace chimney cap with power vent.
• 190 Commonwealth Avenue (APP # 26.0514 BB): At front facade repair and repoint masonry.
• 256 Commonwealth Avenue (APP # 26.0557 BB): At front facade replace four, second-story one-over-one windows in-kind.
• 296 Commonwealth Avenue (APP # 26.0481 BB): At roof replace rubber membrane roofing in-kind.
• 328 Commonwealth Avenue (APP # 26.0558 BB): At rear elevation repair fire escape.
• 333 Commonwealth Avenue (APP # 26.0545 BB): At front facade replace one first-story one-over-one non-historic aluminum window with a one-over-one wood window.
• 241 Marlborough Street (APP # 26.0561 BB): At rear elevation replace garage door and entry door.
• 257 Marlborough Street (APP # 26.0519 BB): At front facade and rear elevation repair existing fire escapes.
• 388 Marlborough Street (APP # 26.0522 BB): At roof replace rubber membrane roof and roof decks to comply with current design guidelines.
• 125 Newbury Street (APP # 26.0556 BB): At front facade replace existing wall sign.
• 201 Newbury Street (APP # 26.0544 BB): At front facade replace existing wall sign and install wall sign and blade sign.