In a recent government meeting, officials reviewed the installation of windows at a historic building that did not comply with the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA). The discussion focused on the replacement of original 2 over 2 double hung wood sash windows with paired 1 over 1 double hung windows, which failed to replicate the historic muntin arrangements and vertical trim details.

The staff highlighted that while the new windows met some previous approvals, they did not maintain the visual character of the building due to the removal of significant vertical trim elements. The board was tasked with discussing potential solutions to address the inappropriate replacements or to approve the installed windows retroactively.

Brian Roe, representing the property owner, explained that the installation process was complicated by miscommunication with the building department. Initially intending to replace the glass in the existing windows, they were later instructed to install double hung windows instead. Roe acknowledged that the scaling from architectural drawings led to discrepancies in the installation, resulting in the current situation.

The board is expected to deliberate on the matter, weighing the historical integrity of the building against the practicalities of the installation errors.