A sleek, 4,300-square-foot building under construction by a foundation created by renowned British architect Sir Norman Foster is causing a stir among neighbors on the Tisbury Great Pond.
A sleek, 4,300-square-foot building under construction by a foundation created by renowned British architect Sir Norman Foster is causing a stir among neighbors on the Tisbury Great Pond.
The building was unanimously approved by the West Tisbury planning board three years ago as a three-bedroom single-family home for guests of the Fosters, who live across the pond at Blue Heron Farm. The area where the property is located is zoned for residential use.
But the website for the Norman Foster Foundation touts the building as a retreat center to advance its mission of helping new generations of architects, designers and urbanists to anticipate the future.
“Designed as a flexible space to accommodate a range of multi-disciplinary activities including think tank sessions, workshops and seminars, the retreat will also host a residency programme for selected fellows of the Norman Foster Foundation,” according to the website, which features drawings and photographs of the building under construction.
An internationally acclaimed architect, Mr. Foster is noted for steel and glass structures that incorporate natural light and green spaces to infuse futuristic design with an appreciation for the environment. His best-known buildings include London city hall, the Hearst building in New York city, the Reichstag in Berlin and Apple headquarters in Cupertino, Calif.
At a meeting of the West Tisbury planning board Monday, members heard a litany of concerns from neighbors, ranging from lack of parking at the site to runoff from construction activities to the effect on the water table from the large number of evergreen trees that have been brought in to border the site.
“My concern is . . . well, I have many concerns,” said neighbor Marilyn Hollinshead. “Its application was for a residence. It is not a residence. It is going to be a conference center,” she said.
Aerial photos of the site displayed at the meeting appear to show a completed building framed by a heavy border of trees. The surrounding pondfront area is predominantly open grassland, its sandy soils dotted with scrub oaks and cedars.
Sarah Doyle, who manages the Pond View Farm equestrian center, said excavation on the property had turned two of her horse paddocks into wetlands that could no longer be used.
“I’m most concerned that we have the most massive change I’ve ever seen in any piece of landscape in West Tisbury or on-Island that I have seen — massive geographical change. And it’s been going on for three years and nobody has said stop,” Ms. Doyle said. She continued:
“It’s not just what we cut. And it’s not just what we build. It’s what we plant and what we change. It impacts all the people on the point who are already homeowners and taxpayers who bought and paid to live there.
“We picked one flavor. We’re there because we wanted a farm-y grassland plain. And it’s been that forever. And someone came in, and I don’t think they meant badly, and they did this, and nobody said ‘wait.’”
The Norman Foster Foundation was not represented at the meeting.
Surrounded by trees, the single-story building is not readily visible, but it is made primarily of wood with minimal steel portal frames, according to the description on the foundation’s website. Its southern face is lined with solar panels.
“(I)ts simple monopitch shape recalls barn-like structures in the New England tradition . . . Over time, the external cedar will weather with a silvery patina which relates to the expressed grey painted structure. This combination of greys is typical of Vineyard buildings that visually recede into the landscape,” the description continues.
The building is located on a 3.8-acre parcel on Pond View Farm Road on the eastern shore of the Tisbury Great Pond that was included in the 2011 sale of the 28-acre Blue Heron Farm to Mr. Foster and his wife, Lady Elena Ochoa Foster. Most of Blue Heron Farm is located on the pond’s western shore. Formerly owned by the late Anthony Fisher and his wife Anne, who died in an airplane crash in 2003, Blue Heron Farm later served as a summer vacation retreat for President Obama during his first three years in office.
In November 2018, Vineyard architect Chuck Sullivan appeared before the West Tisbury planning board on behalf of Fosters seeking approval for a single-family residence on the unbuilt eastern shorefront lot.
According to official minutes of the meeting, the owners intended to build a three-bedroom house for guests, who would mostly travel to and from their home across the pond.
Speaking to the Gazette by phone Thursday afternoon, Mr. Sullivan said the town had not flagged any problems with the building project. “It’s a single family house in a residential district — all the proper permits were issued and all the guidelines and rules regulations were followed,” he said.
Monday’s planning board discussion was prompted by a letter signed by Marilyn and Warren Hollinshead and Ted and Betsy Wheeler, who enumerated their concerns and sought guidance on who was responsible for monitoring the site.
“What recourse do the neighbors and the town have in case the residential requirement is flaunted and the building is used for a commercial purpose?,” the letter asked in part. “It is distressing to feel that the town of West Tisbury has given little attention to this construction.”
Planning board members listened sympathetically to neighbors’ concerns, noting they had no enforcement authority and urging them to take environmental complaints to the town conservation commission, according to a recording of the public meeting made available to the Gazette.
The board also unanimously agreed to send a letter to the building inspector to look into whether the construction violates the zoning bylaw, as it is located in a residential zone.
“In terms of our jurisdiction, the only thing we have control over is the business use in a residential area. And we have not approved a business in that residential area and we have not been approached or even asked to approve it,” said planning board member Bea Phear.
Comments
A quick perusal of the Norman
robert skydell Granada, NicaraguaA quick perusal of the Norman Foster Foundation´s website confirmed my suspicions. In no way is this a three-bedroom residence, and more importantly, was it ever intended to be.
This isn´t the first time that someone applied for and obtained a building permit with the belief that Vineyard regulatory boards are made up entirely of rubes.
Robert, unlike you, I was
Wendy ChilmarkRobert, unlike you, I was given a tour of this residence when it was under construction several months ago and I can confirm that this is not a corporate retreat. What struck me at the time was the careful attention given to detail, beginning with the trees that completely envelop the building from the view of the neighbors. One walks down a meandering path through the trees until suddenly, the house appears in front of you surrounded by native grasses, not a fussy landscape with flowers and boxwoods. Inside, there are three efficiently designed bedrooms (this was built as a retreat for visiting friends, fellows and family members) and a wonderfully spacious -- and carefully stocked -- library designed for reading and contemplation as well as a small, efficient kitchen. The house is beautifully proportioned inside and out and adjustable wooden slats on the exterior deck will protect one from the sun and the rain.
The Foster Foundation supports comprehensive research into the environmental impacts of architecture, including the standardization of the embodied carbon emissions of building materials. The Foundation is headquartered in Madrid, where the fellows reside, the house on Martha’s Vineyard was envisioned as a retreat for one or two scholars to work in isolation.
Lord Foster recently took part in COP26, the UN Climate change conference in Glasgow with John Kerry, the President’s special envoy for Climate. While Foster may not be a full-time resident of Martha’s Vineyard, he is deeply respectful of the culture of the island.
Interesting very large
Gina Menemsha/NYCInteresting very large overall building
Your comment reads like a Press Release
Must be an enormous library
How many square feet though?
V WtHow many square feet though? My 3 bedroom is only 1550.
You are correct, Wendy. I was
robert skydell Granada, NicaraguaYou are correct, Wendy. I was not given a tour of this ¨residence¨,so I am left to draw my conclusions from the computer representations and information on the Norman Foster Foundation website which describes this building as follows,
¨Designed as a flexible space to accomodate think tank sessions, workshops and seminars, the retreat will also host a residency programme for selected fellows of the Norman Foster Foundation¨.
While I have no problem with any of those functions per se, I generally believe that think tanks, seminars and workshops suggest use by more than just a few individuals.
You claim that this project is¨not a corporate retreat¨ and that it is designed ¨for one or two scholars to work in isolation.¨
If that were even remotely the case I believe the design would certainly reflect that from both a programatic perspective as well as from a concern for its overall environmental impact as well as its environs.
Norman Foster has created numerous projects that I admire, but I fail to see how this particular project is as respectful of the culture of the Island as you imply in your comments.
According to Siri, the median
osuzna shelburne, vt (vineyarder in spirit)According to Siri, the median size of new 3-bedroom, 2.5 bath homes sold in 2020 was 2,322 square feet.
This is from the Norman
Robin Canha West TisburyThis is from the Norman Foster Foundation web site: "Designed as a flexible space to accommodate a range of multi-disciplinary activities including think tank sessions, workshops and seminars, the retreat will also host a residency programme for selected fellows of the Norman Foster Foundation." The multiple photos on the Norman Foster Foundation show group gatherings in a function hall setting, the appearance of a meeting room and/or reception desk, and a specific usage intent for this building that belies "residential usage". Workshops. Seminars. The photos speak volumes, as does the description on their web site. It's for one or two scholars to work in isolation? That's not depicted on the web site. This appears to be commercial usage, and legitimate cause for concern. If nothing else, there is good reason to review this.
So what your saying is
John Aldeborgh KatamaSo what your saying is because Mr Foster is a buddy with John Kerry and is a climate change advocate (meaning he’s both politically connected and a so-called environmentalist) he doesn’t need to follow the same rules as the rest of us ordinary folks. I don’t understand why Mr. Foster doesn’t come in person to explain what’s going on, why hide behind a bunch of hired guns that are doing his bidding. The lack of transparency and the vocal concern of neighbors should be sufficient cause for the town to stop construction until there is a full and complete review, otherwise it looks like the town is yielding to political pressure, which would be very concerning.
I find it both expected and
Gabrielle West TisburyI find it both expected and shocking that an esteemed architect would try to eskew established zoning regulations, no amount of patina is going to change the fact that this is not a residential structure and rather a commercial or institutional venture
(im waiting for the non profit status) ... I hope the town challenges is it and addresses all concerns of neighbors'
It’s a chess game. It’s a
Tom Engley West TisburyIt’s a chess game. It’s a bait and switch. It’s got deep pockets and is a bully. We lost already.
Couldn't have said it better!
Mark West TisCouldn't have said it better!
Looking at this anomaly makes
Jeanne Barron West TisburyLooking at this anomaly makes me want to cry. How has this been allowed to happen? This structure is huge, not at all residential, and gigantic trees have been trucked in to surround the building.
Nothing about it fits well with the neighboring buildings or natural landscape. I’m also wondering how the conservation commission is allowing this kind of work to be done since there are strict protective rules about planting, pruning and even mowing within 200 ft of water where shellfish grow.
And I’m curious about the amount of real estate taxes due to our town since this is planned as a conference center for a non- profit foundation.
Something fishy?
This answers a mystery I've
Kayaker Chilmark/elsewhereThis answers a mystery I've been wondering about for the last two years. I've seen this massive frame under construction while paddling the pond and have wondered what on earth it was. It's plainly visible from the water and the size is such that it couldn't possibly be anything other than a commercial building. I was particularly confused since the only big commercial interests I've seen in the pond are farms. Too much design in it (even just its bones look spend-y!) to be a barn. I finally concluded maybe it was a small horse-riding rink. My jaw hit the ground when reading this and seeing it described as a three-bedroom residence. That's a flagrant lie on the paperwork and a lack of any kind of system to check up on whether the building conforms to the stated plans.
This is particularly galling since it's clear to anyone who spends time on this water that this branch of the pond is already having immense problems with algae bloom. Massive disturbance like this, coupled with the level of landscaping that will be expected to go with a spendy conference center are not helping and will not help this fragile ecosystem!
Completely agree, I have
Jeremy West TisburyCompletely agree, I have watched in horror as this massive, inappropriate structure was raised and thought, “How can the Foster’s stand seeing this across the cove from their house?” Now I know.
Developers repeatedly get a local guy to go before the boards, who knows everyone and gets things passed. Seen that ruse repeatedly.
What size ceptic system did
John Chidsey FloridaWhat size ceptic system did they put in. That might for tell the kind of traffic they plan on having through there.
Septic systems are designed
Michael OBSeptic systems are designed and installed using bedroom size, not how many people are passing through the building.
There are rules for us and
Bruce Fernie W.TisburyThere are rules for us and then there are rules for them...doesn't matter if it's a huge maskless party, a single VIP on a Gulfstream returning from a climate conference or a huge building project. The hypocrisy is deafening these days.
Are there any town rules on
"Save What's Left" ChilmarkAre there any town rules on pesticide applications for a landscape this close to the pond.
That has to happen to protect our fragile waterways.
Hopefully (?) West Tisbury is making sure this property is handled organically.
Plenty of rules but it’s
HS West TisburyPlenty of rules but it’s basically on the honor system. Legally each landscaping company needs to get a fertilizer application certification for at least one employee, and it needs to be renewed every other year with a class- but there is no enforcement. I worked at one such company that had no one with the training or certification.
It is clear from the photo
John Cape CodIt is clear from the photo that this is not a 3 bedroom family home and is intended for commercial use. The Building Inspector should review this project immediately and issue a cease and desist order to stop further construction, as this obviously is not what was approved.
exactly. Somebody living in
tom Bostonexactly. Somebody living in an existing 3 bedroom home now could not suddenly use it for commercial purposes. Did planning board approve a specific set of plans?
If the application read that
mike SomewhereIf the application read that this would be a 3 bedroom residence, then WT must uphold that aspect of the project. Why would WT planning not be able to enforce the original application.
"Anticipate the future", what
Ken Rusczyk Oak Bluffs"Anticipate the future", what a bunch of Crapola!
How about housing for the worker bees?
This is really shameful. It's
Maggie Biroscak BostonThis is really shameful. It's clearly not a single-family residence. The Foster Foundation says as much on their website! normanfosterfoundation.org/project/retreat/. It says "It respectfully integrates with the landscape." Who decides what's "respectful?" Neighbors and people who live there don't feel respected. The pond hasn't been respected. And the Vineyard's own planning process has not been respected. You can't be respectful and lie to people's faces at the same time.
This is exactly what is wrong
Susan S L NTisThis is exactly what is wrong on tre island town oversight capitulation to money and power. These neighbors have been there for generations and care about the pond and their neighborhood Sir I have billions dies not. Come on WT do your job. If I had done this my project would have been shut down.
Where is the building
Jack West TisburyWhere is the building Inspector on this?
Is the structure being built
Hugh W ChilmarkIs the structure being built and depicted on the website the same as whatever plans were submitted and approved for the 3 bedroom residence? If not, this is an obvious violation and construction should be halted immediately. whatever doesn't comply with approved drawings needs to be removed unless the owner can make a case that changes are minimal and submit revised drawings for approval. If it is a 3 bedroom residence in fact, but used for foundation activities as described on web site, the town needs to determine if that is or is not in compliance with allowed zoning bylaw usages.
The trailer in the photo is
Phil regan Oak bluffsThe trailer in the photo is probably 6’x10’ (60 sq. Ft.)? If so, how many trailers could fit in that building footprint? Do the math…building footprint looks quite a bit bigger than 4,300 sq. ft.
Just like the accidental tear
P.S EdgartownJust like the accidental tear down of the historic mill house… it is their intention all along to just pay the fine. When will the island smarten up and fine and or ban these architects and builders.
If fines do not work there is
Peter J EdgartownIf fines do not work there is a much simpler solution: just refuse to issue a certificate of occupancy for a building that is built in violation of its permits and zoning regulations. With deep enough pockets, even a $50k fine does not matter. The lack of an occupancy permit has other, deeper consequences.
to use a line from a great
Hal Edgartownto use a line from a great movie "that was no boating accident"
...we're gonna need a bigger
Carl Oak Bluffs...we're gonna need a bigger island.
Nope it sure wasn’t. Anyone
Absentofficialswt West TisburyNope it sure wasn’t. Anyone at any helm in our town? Hmm.
Two questions: 1) Does the
Bruce EdgartownTwo questions: 1) Does the building have 3 bedrooms or not? (the article doesn't say) And, 2) if a three bedroom house that is rented out is a "commercial property", how many "commercial properties" are there in West Tisbury?
It’s a pretty clear red flag
Linda West TisburyIt’s a pretty clear red flag when there is only 3 bedrooms in 4300 soft. That is not a typical residential property.
It’s a pretty clear red flag
Linda West TisburyIt’s a pretty clear red flag when there is only 3 bedrooms in 4300 soft. That is not a typical residential property.
good point, Linda
Robin Canha West Tisburygood point, Linda
Yes, sure. This is clearly a
N/A West TisburyYes, sure. This is clearly a violation of the residential permit that Foster had saught 3 years ago, and if indeed the plans for a guest house have changed then a new permitting process should be followed through with. However, as a young professional on the Island, I think this would be a phenomenal opportunity for WT and the Island as a whole. Having a hub of talent discussing pretty pertinent topics in building, construction, architecture, climate change, etc. would bring in talented minds and ideas to a pretty secluded place. Personally, and professionally, if there is any chance of retaining art and talent here, I truly believe something along these lines is sorely needed here. (With all of the exceptions that they do their due diligence and include the public and their neighbors in the discussion of construction and inclusion of the usage of the building), I wholeheartedly support having this built in West Tisbury. And as an aside, as someone who studied both architecture and historic preservation, I think the design of this building is both respectful. of it's surroundings and beautifully placed within the landscape.
The inclusion of a think tank
Yes Box TisburyThe inclusion of a think tank of brilliant minds is not the issue. Of course they’d be welcome: at a legally appropriate location.
There’s no dispute. What was applied for, and the stated intention of use is facts in evidence.
The deception colors whatever occurs going forward.
It’s a shame, but I don’t see a noble path forward for this enterprise.
My sympathy for the benefit this think tank may provide, is subdued by the process.
This project is disturbing because the presence of such a hub is frustrated by its impropriety. I find it difficult simply because the ambiguity requires a tolerance I don’t possess.
The owners need to reapply for the intended use and abide by the eventual decision.
If the town board’s approval is granted, all well and good. If not, the owner must accept the three bedroom designation.
I hope something can be done.
Steve F ChilmarkI hope something can be done.
Is this the first formal complaint the neighbors have brought before the town? I hope not, as it certainly seems too little too late. Still…..
Although I understand why the
PG TisburyAlthough I understand why the glamorous drawings and descriptions on a website are misrepresenting this project—and I wish neighbors & others had already been invited in to see this dwelling—let me clarify, as someone who has had a chance to see it, what it entails:
1) two bedrooms with baths intended for scientists & thinkers & artists devoted to climate change & sustainability who would be invited to come do their research &work in the off season, draw inspiration from this island to help with their attempt to envision a way for us all to survive into the future, & hopefully share knowledge & vision with both the community & children in our schools— and
2) a large living room ( with a nook area for books) in which a long table is situated. This is intended for a few thinktank like meetings during the summers during which top scientists in the field of climate change & sustainability would gather in the intimacy of the vineyard and brainstorm in an attempt to break through the terrible obstacles which face all of us in the very near future at or beyond 2 degrees of warming.
This is not in any way a commercial venture. Very much to the contrary. It is a gift to our community—which many of us hope will become a beacon during these hard times—and it is a sign of belief in the power of our community to be able to inspire urgent & committed minds to confront baffling questions.
One hopes our island will, at many levels, become an example to the country of a community working together to create sound sustainable living—solar fields, hydroponic farming, green priorities in our housing.
This dwelling is a rare totally carbon neutral construction—how many examples to we have of that on this island. It is totally built of sustainable materials. It could have been built anywhere in the world but its vision included bringing such creativity to this very unique island because the spirit of this island awakens and nurtures creative thinking.
All the trees are all sourced on the island and the cape, and are trees one sees all over the island. I am no expert but they are not “ exotic”. The rest is all native grasses.
There are wealthy people building gigantic mansions for their private pleasure all over this island with 10 times the footprint—it’s astonishing to me that 4300 square feet would be so astounding to anyone. The place has a zenlike spartan quality—a small kitchen—modest bedrooms—suited to its completely altruistic purpose.
Aquifers are going down all over the island. I am no expert but mine is down and no trees are to blame.
This week at COP26 in Scotland the whole world was badgered into forestation as one of the acts that can help carbon sequestration. Here is great example. And we are going to complain about this as well? Do we think we on this fragile island—of all places—are immune to climate change?
These letters have amazed & dismayed me. Here is a totally altruistic activity—devoted entirely to trying to save all our futures—utterly visionary—believing in the capacity of this island to be a beacon to the country & the world—& bringing excitement & thought to everyone from our students to our local communities seeking solutions in sustainability—and we respond in these ways? Is that who we are?
Just this week Foster & Kerry—describing themselves as “ neighbors on Martha’s Vineyard—gave one of the most powerful presentations of all at COP26. They spoke to mayors gathered from all over the world about how communities can work from the ground up, through local decisions, to try to stem the terrible acceleration of climate change. They were astounding & sent mayors all over the world home hopeful & inspired with new ideas.
Check it out here ( or paste in yr browser):
https://youtu.be/aRGonrbe8rQ
These are brave & selfless people, in late age, burning midnight oil to try to save our children.If you don’t believe in climate emergency, if you think it’s not coming for us here, if you feel exempt, then I guess the great opportunity of this retreat will not strike you as a gift & a hope & an inspiration.
As for the so called terrible impact: I doubt all the visitors to the handful of summer brainstorming sessions would equal one busload of the nonstop tourists on this poor overwhelmed island.
I hope we can see this great opportunity for what it is. Try to watch our neighbors Kerry & Foster give their all on our behalf in Glasgow just now to get an idea of how they are trying to help us all.
(The video is slow to start & appears to have no sound at the start—u might want to slightly advance it)
This is a thoughtful and
Rich Zaleski Vineyard HavenThis is a thoughtful and passionate retort, but it doesn't address the fundamental issue of whether these grandiose plans were communicated to the West Tisbury authorities in the permitting process. If they were, then proceed. If they weren't, then Foster needs to go back and get his project approved.
I haven't seen the site or
Marc Butler West TisburyI haven't seen the site or the house, but the description on their website doesn't read like a residential property (https://www.normanfosterfoundation.org/project/retreat/). In addition to asking the question regarding local oversight, we should ask the same directly to the Norman Foster Foundation via their website and social media channels.
This is beyond sad. What
Shawn Taylor Oak BluffsThis is beyond sad. What recourse is there? A fine? Does not change the willful disregard for neighbors and all of us.
A simple solution to a
Peter J EdgartownA simple solution to a builder not building to the agreed on, approved building permit and violating zoning laws is to refuse to issue a certificate of occupancy. With a hugely expensive project, even a $50k fine is just noise.
What plans did the Town
Doug Ulwick Oak BluffsWhat plans did the Town approve to issue permits? If this is is what they submitted and it was approved, then that ship has sailed.
I don't think there's a size limit for a house relative to the number of bedrooms.
I think plenty of island residential properties are used/rented out for think tank sessions, workshops and seminars. Will that be banned?
There are many good questions
Rob off islandThere are many good questions and concerns in the comments, as well as sufficient--and deserved--criticism directed to SNF (if the project is indeed something other than a single-family residence), but where is the scrutiny of island boards, those entities and people who approve these projects? And, if there are violations, how often and how rigorously are they addressed? When islanders are shocked by what they see emerging around them, they should remember that one of their own either approved the initial plan or didn't have the courage to enforce violations. Rather, they seem to act as if their hands are tied, that they have zero legal recourse, once construction begins. Why is that?
Since the weekend, the Norman
osuzna shelburne, vt (vineyarder in spirit)Since the weekend, the Norman Foster Foundation website link to this project has been changed.
The description “Designed as a flexible space to accommodate a range of multi-disciplinary activities including think tank sessions, workshops and seminars, the retreat will also host a residency programme for selected fellows of the Norman Foster Foundation” has been replaced with:
"The Foster Retreat is a private residence to accommodate guests and friends of the Foster family who include fellows, collaborators and friends of the Norman Foster Foundation, some of whom live on the Vineyard and others when they visit."
The photos have also been changed to closeups of architectural details and views of the landscape,replacing the previous photos that showed scale, siting, and overall design of the building.
https://www.normanfosterfoundation.org/project/retreat/
So the foundation updates its
Tom TisburySo the foundation updates its website, and now nothing happens on the Island. If I knew it was that easy to get around the boards and permitting processes I'd have built a new airport by now! Come to think of it - this building does look like an airport terminal...
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