HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Consider the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) request for property located at 209 E. Jefferson - COA 17-4687.
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation, Engineering and Development
SUBMITTED BY: Gabrielle Mattingly
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
Submitted for Historic Preservation Commission review.
BACKGROUND:
The applicant, David Bernat, has submitted a request for the property located at the northeast corner of Ellsworth and Jefferson Street with a common address of 209 E. Jefferson. The COA request has been submitted in order to replace the existing wood windows with vinyl windows of the same style. The subject property is approximately 10,200 sq. ft. and is currently zoned R2 (Single-Family and Low Density Multiple-Family Residence District). The home is a rectangular, 2 story, Greek Revival style residential home.
Based on city record, three COAs were previously issued for 209 E. Jefferson Street. On March 22, 1990, a COA (HSC#90-4) was granted by the Historic Sites Commission to allow for a wooden shingle-type sign for a doctor’s office. On May 27, 1999, another COA (HSC#99-07) was granted by the Historic Sites Commission for a second story addition above the existing one-story north wing. The addition has not been constructed, and the COA has since expired. On May 22, 2008, a COA (HSC#08-06) was granted by the Historic Sites Commission to construct the following: a second story addition over the one-story north wing with clapboard siding; add an enclosed porch with clapboard siding; modify window and door openings on the east façade; and construct a new detached garage. No records of building permits were found on file for these changes, the COA has since expired.
The City of Naperville Municipal Code Section 6-11-8:2 requires a COA subject to Historic Preservation Commission Approval for any proposed windows that are not wood or aluminum clad wood in material. Note: A COA is not required for modifications to the rear and interior side facades if not visible from the street. Since the house is on a corner, the south and west elevations are subject to the review by the commission.
DISCUSSION:
The subject property is identified as a “significant” structure in the 2007 Architectural and Historical Survey for the Historic District. A “significant” structure is identified as being at least 50 years old and possesses architectural distinction in one of the following when compared with other buildings of its type: architectural style or type valuable for a study of a period, style, method of construction, or use of indigenous materials; exceptional craftsmanship; work of a master builder or architect. Structures that are identified as “significant” also possess a high degree of integrity in design, materials, workmanship, setting, location, feeling, and association.
Currently, the subject property has windows that are wood and glass block in material, double hung/fixed in style with 6/6 window configurations. The petitioner has identified that the proposed windows will be consistent with the existing windows as far as style and size are considered. The petitioner also stated that the homeowner is requesting vinyl windows because they are more economical, provide better energy savings, and are less maintenance in comparison to wood windows.
The Historic Building Design and Resource Manual provides guidelines for windows maintenance, repair and replacement. These guidelines identify what is encouraged, acceptable and discouraged. Within these guidelines, it states that the installation of vinyl replacement windows are discouraged. It is encouraged to replace the windows in-kind with the original material, size, and design.
Key Takeaways
• The petitioner is requesting approval of COA 17-4687 in order to replace the existing wood windows with vinyl windows of the same style for the property located at 209 E. Jefferson.
• The City of Naperville Municipal Code requires review by the Historic Preservation Commission for any proposed windows that are not wood or aluminum clad wood in material.