Welcome to the William Street Historic District

January 2014

Congratulations on your recent purchase of property within the William Street Historic District. The William Street Historic District Commission is a legally constituted governing entity within the Town of Tisbury and is responsible for preserving the historic character of the District. The WSHD Commissioners would like to welcome you to this unique area and share some information that we hope you will find both interesting and valuable.  

The Commission is a volunteer group comprised of home owners from within the District and other knowledgeable Town residents including interior designers, builders, architects and real estate agents. The District was created in 1975 by a group of town residents who possessed the vision to protect these historic properties, thus perpetuating the historic quality of the port of Vineyard Haven. In 1983 the District was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Owning or buying property within the District obligates owners to maintain and improve their properties in compliance with the guidelines and By-laws developed to protect the historic nature of the District. A copy of these guidelines and the By-law are enclosed for your consideration.

In the event that you propose to make alterations, or additions to the exterior of any structure(s) or the hardscape on your property your design and plans must be approved by the William Street Historic District Commission. Building permits will not be issued by the Town of Tisbury without Commission approval. For new business it is advisable to contact the chairman fourteen days prior to the meeting date to ensure a spot on the agenda. Depending on the scope of your project a Public Hearing may be required. We recommend that you attend a meeting of the Commission to discuss your ideas prior to initiating extensive designs.

The William Street Historic District Commission meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 4:30 in the Katharine Cornell Theater at the Tisbury Town Hall. Meeting dates are always posted in Town Hall. Meetings are open to the public, and we invite your participation.  

Copies of the William Street Historic District Commissions Application, By-Law, Design Guidelines, and Application Check List, are available on-line at the Tisbury Town website at www.tisburyma.gov.        

Please feel free to contact us at any time:

THC_WSHD@tisburyma.gov
or

Town of Tisbury
Tisbury Historical Commission
William Street Historic District Commission
PO Box 1239 - 51 Spring Street
Vineyard Haven, MA. 02568

Sincerely,
William Street Historic District Commission                     
Tisbury Historical Commission

Members:                                                        
                              
                         
Judith Federowicz

Craig Whitaker

John Bacheller

Paul Lazes

Polly Simpkins

Christine Redfield

Rev. Dr. Leo Christian

Dawn Braasch