Nantucket Preservation Trust is opposed to the proposed demolition of the c. 1927 former Nantucket Electric Company building at 10 New Whale Street, one of the last remaining buildings of Nantucket’s early 20th century industrial waterfront. The following letter was sent by NPT Executive Director Mary Bergman to the Historic District Commission ahead of their October 29, 2024 hearing for the proposed demolition. NPT supports the positions expressed by HDC commissioners that the building should not be demolished.
To the Historic District Commissioners:
I am writing on behalf of the Nantucket Preservation Trust to ask you to deny the demolition of 10 New Whale Street f/k/a the Nantucket Electric Company building. This building is a contributing structure to the Nantucket National Historic Landmark District.
10 New Whale Street (c. 1927) is unique in that it is one of the lone surviving buildings that tells the story of Nantucket’s changing waterfront. By the 1920s, Nantucket’s waterfront was a working district of lumber yards, fuel docks, and fishing piers until it was converted into a Boat Basin and retail district in the 1960s. Still, this building remained in operation. This building was closed in 1996, when the first submarine power cable connected Nantucket to the mainland.
This building may no longer be needed by National Grid for its original purpose, but it is a good candidate for adaptive reuse and the State & Federal Historic Tax Credit programs. Outdated industrial buildings do not have to be demolished. They can be transitioned into new uses, like the American Legion Hall at the former French and Coffin Warehouse on nearby Washington Street, and the art gallery at the Thomas Macy Warehouse on Straight Wharf.
Comments have been made about the condition of the building. We remind the Commission that the Town of Nantucket has a minimum maintenance bylaw (Section 124-13 of the Bylaws of Nantucket). In addition, Building with Nantucket in Mind states “the Commission may order the owners of structures involved in the process of demolition to take the necessary measures to prevent further deterioration or destruction while the process for consideration is ongoing.” (22)
We have enclosed additional history for your review. We hope you will take into consideration the uniqueness of this building, its age, and the history it retains and deny the demolition application.
Sincerely,
Mary Bergman
Executive Director, Nantucket Preservation Trust