This rendering shows the planned development at the former Hopkinton Drug site.

The Historical Commission at its meeting Tuesday night voted unanimously to rescind the demolition delay for the home at 6 Cedar Street. This paves the way for a mixed-use development that also includes 48-52 Main Street, the former Hopkinton Drug/Hopkinton Card and Gift Shop building, in the heart of downtown Hopkinton.

During the meeting, members expressed support for the proposed 60-unit development but urged the development team to add features that would make it compatible with the character of the town.

The commission last reviewed the proposal in March, when it voted that 6 Cedar Street was “preferably preserved” and issued the demolition delay of 18 months pending review by the Planning Board. Because of the deterioration of the home, the developers incorporated this property into its design to make the project larger and more financially viable.

Boston-based Parsons Commercial Group has been under agreement to purchase both buildings. Brendon Properties, the developer, has more than 40 years of experience, including residential, commercial and mixed-use development.

“In essence, what they’re proposing is a building that wraps around Main Street and Cedar Street,” explained chair Michael Roughan, noting that parking will be underground as well as in back of the building where parking currently exists.

There will be 53 dedicated assigned parking spaces for residents underground that will be accessible off Cedar Street. The upper level of parking, located off Main Street, will consist of 36 residential spaces in a gated area and 33 retail parking spaces.

The project was designed to be as of right to conform with the zoning bylaw. There will be a small courtyard inside the U-shaped development.

Up to four retail units have been proposed for the ground level. There may be a unit for residential use, such as a gym or storage area, depending upon commercial interest.

Because the building is large, the architects used “undulation in the vertical and the horizontal” to break it up visually. The corner would be brick to mirror Town Hall. Clapboard siding would be used in other areas. Features including arches, a stone base, cornices and Juliet balconies will add to its character. It also would be pulled back about 15 feet from where the Hopkinton Drug building met the street.

Member Scott Knous expressed some concern that the design didn’t go far enough in trying to blend in with the “small-town feel.”

“This really changes the complexion of downtown to be very sort of boxy and square and city-like,” he said. “My concern is that this really doesn’t contribute to the character of the downtown.”

Development team members said several community members at the last meeting gave the project positive reviews. The project will go before the Design Review Board and Planning Board for feedback on materials and composition.

Members mentioned that the size of the building reflected Hopkinton’s manufacturing history.

Said Roughan: “I think the form and the proportions of the building is exactly what Hopkinton needs.”

While the incorporation of different materials could make the façade appear more historic, he added that the brick at the corner anchors the project.

Added member Eric Sonnett: “This is our one shot at rebuilding our downtown.”

The commission voted unanimously to rescind the demolition delay on 6 Cedar. Roughan said he would draft a letter to the Planning Board indicating the commission’s support for the project and hopes for incorporating more of a historic element in the final plan.

Ribbon-cutting for Aikens Park Sept. 19

The commission discussed the time of the ribbon-cutting for Aikens Park, which is scheduled for Sept. 19 at 4:30 p.m. The time was selected to attract children to join after school as well as commuters. It is located across from Carbone’s Restaurant on Cedar Street.

Local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts will be invited, as will Town Manager Elaine Lazarus and Ken Weismantel, the Community Preservation Committee chair. Others involved in the project, including Mike Whalen, will be asked to attend as well.

Sonnett noted that Weismantel discussed having a sign placed there indicating that the project was paid for with CPC funds. Members approved of the idea.

Under the Community Preservation Act (CPA), at least 10% of the funding raised through the real estate tax levy must be allocated among three categories — open space, historic preservation and affordable housing — according to the state website. The remaining 70% can be allocated to any of these categories, as well as recreation.

Hopkinton adopted the Community Preservation Act in 2002. Community preservation monies are raised locally through the imposition of a surcharge of 2% of the tax levy against real property. This money is put into a fund. The CPC reviews funding request proposals and administers the awarding of money.

“I think this is good recognition of taxpayer money at work,” said associate member Anna Dorcey.

There was discussion about having an ice cream truck or food truck, but Roughan said that may be “challenging” because of parking.

Garage at 83 East Main approved

The commission voted unanimously to approve the construction of a freestanding two-car garage at 83 East Main Street behind the house there. Previously there had been a two-car garage attached to the house, which was demolished and then replicated. It would be located next to the three condominiums that were developed on the site.