While the Historic Preservation Commission has no say over the fate of Lyndell’s Bakery, representatives of the business say it will go on at an alternative location.

By Fernando Cervantes Jr.

On Tuesday of last week, the Historic Preservation Commission held its monthly meeting. The meeting had an elevated level of importance as recently there have been rumors going around that local bakery Lyndell’s was set to close after 135 years in operation. The bakery, which opened in 1887, has been a staple in the Somerville community for generations.

Rumors of the bakery’s closing came after news of a development being built in the area where Lyndell’s is currently situated on Broadway Ave. was widely reported.

Apart from the matter of the bakery, other issues were discussed in the monthly meeting. The first of these matters was a request for demolition of a home on 38 Laurel St. The home built in 1910 was set to be demolished.

The request for the demolition of the site was withdrawn from consideration, and the commission unanimously voted to accept the withdrawal.

After this the Commission discussed Historical Preservation projects around the city, locations for these include sites at 59 Cross Street, 1 Westwood Road, 404 Broadway, and 277 Broadway.

The site on 277 Broadway is the Elizabeth Peabody House. According to city records, the site previously requested funding from the Historical Commission in order to restore the house’s roof.

The most important matter discussed in the meeting was the slated demolition of the Lyndell’s Bakery location.

According to Wendy Sczechowicz, Preservation Planner for the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, the demolition of the bakery cannot be discussed by the Commission as the age of the structure is not more than 75 years.

“We’ve had access to old aerial photos of the area, and we determined that the building that is currently there was built somewhere in the mid to late-1950’s. So, it does not meet the threshold to be before the Board for demolition review,” Sczechowicz said.

After this statement, Anne Vigorito, an attorney from a firm at 424 Broadway, spoke about the redevelopment of the current location of Lyndell’s Bakery and also gave a reassuring answer to residents regarding the future of Lyndell’s Bakery.

“People get worried. Lyndell’s is kind of a staple or a landmark we can call it down in Ball Square,” Vigorito said. “They’re not going anywhere. Any new construction will include them. In the process of that construction, they will have a new home. I believe right across the way.”

After these remarks from the attorney, the Commission then heard from members of the public on the issue.

A couple of comments were offered on the matter to the Commission, both asking for clarification on the historical preservation procedures for the building.

Although Lyndell’s Bakery was not eligible to be discussed by the Commission, a multi-family home next to the bakery at 722 Broadway was unanimously deemed historically significant by the Commission. The home was built in 1910, approximately 40 years before the Lyndell’s building was constructed.

After this, the Commission discussed other matters such as the December meeting minutes. For more information on the commission and future meetings visit: https://www.somervillema.gov/departments/ospcd/historic-preservation.