Owner seeks $233,000 in CPA funds to restore slate roof on historic Bowker House
Summary
Steve Taylor, owner of the Bowker House at 3 Harvard Place, requested $233,000 in CPA historic resources funding to replace an asphalt roof installed in 2013 with a historically appropriate slate roof; he outlined restoration work to date and said the project remains owner‑funded except for the roof.
Steve Taylor presented a $233,000 historic‑resources CPA request to replace the asphalt shingle roof on the Bowker House at 3 Harvard Place with slate to restore the building’s historic appearance.
Taylor described his multi‑year personal restoration of the 1894 structure that has involved significant stabilization work and replacement of architectural elements such as cresting, sills and lintels. He said the original slate roof had been replaced with asphalt in 2013; while the asphalt roof was performing, he has begun to lose shingles and prefers to restore slate as part of the house’s historic character. “To me, the roof…is part of the beauty and glory of this building,” Taylor said.
The owner said he has found experienced slate roof contractors and would like to start after City Council approval; he estimated the overall project budget at about $600,000 and said he has personally invested about $350,000 to date. He noted the applicant had received a positive determination of local historic significance. The CPC asked about timelines, contractors and whether the asphalt roof presented an immediate risk — Taylor said the asphalt roof still keeps water out but replacing it would allow other work to proceed safely (insulation and interior finishes).
The CPC will score the application and make funding recommendations at its June 17 meeting; no funding decision was recorded at the hearing.
