Board denies replacement windows and additional square footage at 126 and 128 Camino Santiago

The Santa Fe Historic Districts Review Board on Sept. 23 denied multiple exception requests for two linked properties, 126 and 128 Camino Santiago, that are contributing structures in the downtown and East Side historic district.

Staff explained both properties were previously before the board in 2024 and that many of the prior approvals included conditions: repair rather than replacement of historic windows on the primary north elevation, replication of original light patterns and muntin profiles, and limits on the amount and placement of new construction so the historic cores remained visible. The current applications proposed replacing divided‑light windows with undivided, double‑pane metal‑clad windows; additions within 10 feet of the primary facade; and increases that would bring new construction to more than 150% of the historic footprint for the pair when combined with previously approved work.

Paul and staff recommended denial for each exception. Staff’s report said the proposed undivided windows do not replicate historic materials or light patterns and that the proposed additions would wrap and obscure the historic building cores and ‘‘eliminate the distinctive character of the bookend walls’’ that contribute to the building’s significance.

Applicant John Padilla and owner Onesimo Vigil told the board the subdivision and building have unusual constraints (an existing parking/fire easement and a complex plan of previous approvals) and that occupants need modern energy performance and additional storage. Padilla said a consultant assessment recommended replacement windows “in kind” with dual‑pane glass to reduce condensation and preserve the structure; he argued the changes would not damage the character of the district. Owner Onesimo Vigil said the interior needs — for example modest closet space — motivated the small additions.

Several neighbors and an attorney representing an adjacent property filed comments and questioned potential impacts on an established parking/fire easement and the cumulative scale of added square footage. Colleen Gavin and others asked the board to ensure the easement and fire access remain unobstructed; staff and the applicant said they would honor that easement.

After deliberation the board voted to adopt staff’s findings and deny the requested exceptions for both cases (2025011103 HDRB at 126 Camino Santiago and 2025011105 HDRB at 128 Camino Santiago). The denials cover replacing historic windows on primary facades, constructing additions within 10 feet of the primary facade, and exceeding 50% of the historic footprint. The board’s formal action preserves the previously approved balance of additions and limits that were granted in 2024.

Votes at a glance: Motion to adopt staff recommendations and deny exception requests for 2025011103 (126 Camino Santiago) — Mover: Member Bienvenu; Second: Member Degnan; Roll call: Member Cherry — yes; Member Degnan — yes; Member Bienvenu — yes; Member Mather — yes; Member Aguilar Medrano — yes; Outcome: denied. Same outcome for 2025011105 (128 Camino Santiago).

Staff and the applicant noted the parties can pursue additional administrative options available under city procedures (including an appeal to the governing body), but the board’s decision on the exceptions stands.