On Wednesday night, Medfield's Historic District Commission gave the first go-ahead to Michael Cavallo, who hopes to convert the former Friendly’s building on Main Street into a Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant by issuing a certificate of appropriateness – a signoff required before obtaining a building permit from the town. 

Cavallo, of Sharon, owns several Dunkin’ Donuts, including the one at Medfield Commons, and is interested in converting the former Friendly’s building at 563 Main St. into an “upscale" Dunkin’ Donuts.

Cavallo’s latest set of plans reflect concerns raised by the HDC at its May 15 meeting.

“I think it looks great,” said Michael Taylor, acting chairman of HDC. Current chair David Sharff recused himself from the proceedings because he has provided architectural services to the applicant.

The revised plans call for an increase in the size of the walkway, relocating a tree and pruning foliage, adding two light posts in front of the building (Route 109) that mimic other lamps on the corner, changing location of Dunkin’ Donuts sign, and altering the cupola by removing louvers and adding glass and "soft" illumination.

“I think the fact that you’ve widened the brick walkway and it’s much more prominent is good,” said HDC member Connie Sweeney. 

Cavallo also proposed a white picket-style fence in front of the building to add a “more homey feel.”

HDC members liked the idea but said the fence should not be made of vinyl.

Carlos Andrade, Cavallo’s father-in-law, told the HDC the fence would be made out of a long-lasting material that looks like wood.

“The fence will have the grains as if it was the regular wood,” he said. “It’s going to look like wood. If you don’t touch it, you wouldn’t know.”

The Historic District Commission voted unanimously to approve the latest set of drawings submitted on June 6. 

Cavallo said his next meeting is with the Zoning Board of Appeals on July 11. 

HDC members present included Michael Taylor, Brad Phipps, Connie Sweeney, and Barbara Jacobs.