The Lincoln Lodge at 17 Fort Hill St., Wiscasset, home of the local chapter of the Freemasons, sought a certificate of appropriateness from the Wiscasset Historic Preservation Commission Aug. 22 for window replacement, a portico over a set of stairs, which also required replacement, and a railing that would bring the stairs up to code.

William Cressey, who would be doing some of the work, was introduced by Dave Sawyer, the current Master of the Masonic Lodge. Cressey outlined their wish to replace the cement stairs, which have deteriorated, with a similar set that would meet modern building codes. He also proposed replacing a wrought iron railing installed in the 1960s, with a vinyl coated wood railing, extending the railing all the way down the stairs. Currently the wrought iron railing only goes up from the halfway point. He described the portico, which would cover the stairs, protecting them to some degree from snow and ice, as covered with architectural shingles and matching the building, which was covered in vinyl siding. The proposed railing would also match the building and the siding. It would be held up by columns made from a new polymer in white.

However, the commission did not want vinyl on the railing. Cressey said that for a group such as the mason, which will use its funds from dues and donations to pay for the project, having a project that did not require yearly maintenance was vital. Since the building has already been sided in vinyl, and since many other buildings in the area havevinyl railings on decks and on fences, he didn’t understand why it was an issue, he said.

The masons said they would look for metal that would be up to code, or use handrails made from the same polymer as the columns, but that would be a significant cost, and they were unsure the metal railing could be made according to code. They will return to the commission Sept. 5 with a sample of what they plan to use for the railing.

The replacement windows were a bigger issue. According to the Lodge, windows were replaced over the years in a haphazard fashion, and none of them match. The masons hoped to have new vinyl, energy-efficient windows installed throughout the building.

The commission did not like the idea of vinyl windows. Quoting from the Historic Preservation Ordinance, member Pam Logan said the commission’s job is to make sure the materials used are historically appropriate, and vinyl was not historically appropriate. Member Leslie Roberts said she would prefer the masons renovate windows, if necessary, using interior storm windows to prevent drafts. Cressey said the upper floor could not use interior storm windows, due to historic structures such as interior shutters. The masons said storm windows would be more than members – many who are older – can do.  Cressey said they could make sure all the replacement windows were two-over-two, like the building’s oldest windows.

When asked if the group had sought grants for some of the renovation work, Sawyer said, “Grants come with strings. We don’t take funds that way.” They raise funds for charitable work, but use only district funding and local dues to maintain the historic structure, which dates from the 1700s, according to Sawyer.

John Blagdon, a past master of the Lodge, rose to speak. “I’ve lived here for 77 years, and been a mason for over 50,” he said. “I am sorry that we have to come before you and humble ourselves before you to do something to improve the town,” he told them.

Roberts moved to table the issue to Sept. 5. The commission accepted the portico and stairs, so the masons can begin work.

A second COA request was canceled, since the Hadricks at 2 High St. are putting off their planned garage for a year.

The commission later discussed asking for advisory members, as provided for by the commission, especially those with experience renovating old buildings. They also discussed a grant for upgrading the town clock and tower.

Roberts asked if it would be possible to ask applicants to bring in three estimates, one for replacement, one for replacement in kind, and one for restoration. Chair Susan Blagden did not think the commission could require it.