Historical Commission approves support for Dickson Chapel accessibility project.
Historical Commission · Meeting of August 5, 2026
SALEM — Historical Commission endorses Dickson Chapel accessibility improvements and votes to support MAAB variance. Landscape architect Martha Lyon and Spencer Preservation Group architects Doug Manley, Abbey Gilligan, and Meghan Rodenhiser presented the $1.1 million project, which includes an accessible entrance on the northeast side of the conservatory garden, accessible parking, and a new glass door designed to preserve the chapel's original wooden doors. The improvements address four entrance steps that have prevented public access to the 1893 chapel; the commission also approved five Certificates of Appropriateness for other properties during the meeting.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 409 words
Source: the Historical Commission meeting of August 5, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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