HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Conduct the public hearing to consider the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for 226 N Sleight St.- COA 24-3622
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation, Engineering and Development
SUBMITTED BY: Brad Iwicki, Assistant Planner
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
Submitted for Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) review.
BACKGROUND:
The subject property is an approximately 10,320 square foot parcel located at the southeast corner of the Sleight St. and North Ave. intersection, with a common street address of 226 N Sleight St. The property is zoned R2 (Single-family and Low Density Multiple-Family Residence District) and is currently improved with a two-story Stick Style residence, constructed in 1875, a detached garage adjacent to the Sleight Street alley and a shed. The principal structure is listed as a “contributing” structure to the Local and Federal Historic Districts in the 2008 Architectural and Historical Survey (“2008 Survey”).
The structure has been improved with a wrap-around front porch which is now enclosed, vinyl siding, and a read deck addition. It is listed in good condition in the 2008 Survey. Significant features include the front gable and related details, two story south side bay with 3-sided 2 story window bay, gabled wall dormers on the north elevation, and historic 2/2 wood windows with pedimented lintels on the 2nd story.
At the time of the 2008 Survey, the windows on the enclosed porch were listed as wood, double-hung, with a grid configuration 1/1.
Prior COA Approvals
• COA 24-2712 - In-kind replacement of 2nd story windows on the primary façade (wood, double-hung, matching 2/2 grid configuration).
DISCUSSION:
The applicant, Carol Swain, Next Door and Window, with authorization from the property owner, Elizabeth Huffman, seek a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) to allow for removal and replacement of the windows on the primary façade of the enclosed front porch of the principal structure. The original residence was improved with an open front porch in the mid 1900’s which was later enclosed. The existing windows of the enclosed front porch were confirmed to be aluminum storm windows with a 1/1 grid configuration.
The proposed windows are Marvin Infinity fiberglass windows with a 2/2 grid configuration. The primary façade of the enclosed porch contains eight (8) windows; two (2) single-opening storm windows and two (2) triple-wide storm windows. The scope of work includes replacing the single-opening storm windows with fiberglass casement windows in the same openings and replacing the triple-wide windows with fiberglass gliding windows in the same openings. The installation of the new windows will not impact the structure of the enclosed porch by using an aluminum extrusion to bridge the window frame to the wood of the porch. The petitioner states that the fiberglass windows are more economical and energy efficient than replacing windows with wood or aluminum clad wood, which are encouraged by the Historic Building Design and Resource Manual.
A COA is required because the work proposed includes a use of material other than wood or aluminum clad wood, and a change in style as described in Section 6-11-8 of the Municipal Code. The Window Rendering attachment reflects the new windows proposed.
The Historic Building Design and Resource Manual (HBDRM) states that vinyl and fiberglass replacement windows are discouraged, as well as windows that do not match the original in design. Per the 2008 Survey and photos submitted by the petitioner, the existing windows have a grid configuration of 1/1. The HBDRM encourages preserving the window material and design with their original materials and pane division. The 2/2 grid configuration will match the windows on the 2nd floor of the primary façade.
Factors for Consideration of a Certificate of Appropriateness Application:
Review of COA applications are conducted based on the compatibility with the Factors for Consideration of a Certificate of Appropriateness Application (Section 6-11-8:5; Certificate of Appropriateness Required). The owner has detailed their justification of the factors considered. Their justification is included in the attachments for review by the HPC.
Key Takeaways
• The applicant requests approval of COA 24-3622 to allow for removal and replacement of the windows on the primary façade of the enclosed front porch on the principal structure.