Northampton Historical Commission delays demolition of Louise Finn House
The commission found the 175-year-old house structurally sound and historically significant, blocking demolition plans by Mass General Brigham.
NORTHAMPTON — The Historical Commission voted unanimously to impose a one-year delay on demolition of the Louise Finn House at 1 Denniston Place, a roughly 175-year-old structure that Cooley Dickinson Hospital wants to tear down. The property is believed to have ties to the anti-slavery movement and is listed on the State Register of Historic Places.
Under the city's Demolition Review Ordinance, the Historical Commission can delay demolition for up to a year if it determines a building is historically significant or possesses architectural or cultural merit. The hospital, which dedicated the home to longtime midwife Louise Finn in 2009, has argued that bringing the building up to code for medical use is not financially feasible.
John Atwater, facilities manager at Mass General Brigham, which owns Cooley Dickinson, initially told the commission on August 31 that the renovation would cost approximately $1 million, with $500,000 needed for foundation repairs. At Monday's meeting, architect Thomas Hartman reported that the building is structurally sound, with the foundation and exterior walls intact. The main issues are deficient mechanical systems, Hartman said.
Historical Commission Chair Martha Lyon noted that the building appears structurally sound and occupies an important place in the city's history and streetscape. She expressed hope that during the one-year delay, the hospital would consider options for the property's future.
Commissioner Dylan Gaffney previously shared research linking the property's 1850s owner, Albion Peck, to the anti-slavery movement through his involvement with the Free Soil Party. Louise Finn worked as a midwife for 53 years and advocated for women's and families' comfort during childbirth.
During public comment, Michael O'Rourke, Finn's son-in-law, spoke about the home's historical significance. He described the property as embodying both the abolitionist movement and his mother-in-law's commitment to equality in childbirth. Jane Finn, Louise Finn's youngest daughter, said her mother would be uncomfortable with her name being involved in any conflict with the hospital, though she did not oppose preservation efforts.