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Board approves exterior rehab and window program for 501-503 West Marshall; calls for wood look and preserved brackets
Summary
The board approved a broad exterior rehabilitation for 501-503 West Marshall Street, covering window replacement, AZEK capping of frames where appropriate, a new beadboard ceiling on the storefront, repair of cornice and brackets, and new LED recessed lighting.
The Norristown Historical Architectural Review Board approved a comprehensive exterior rehabilitation for the commercial property at 501-503 West Marshall Street, including replacement of windows, restoration of the storefront cornice and brackets, a new painted beadboard ceiling at the storefront, and upgraded exterior lighting.
Applicant representatives described plans to replace a substantial number of windows (approximately 47 across the building) and to cull the existing metal capping in some locations. The proposed approach was to leave original wooden frames where they are intact and to remove and cap only where necessary, or to use AZEK replacement trim that matches the profile of existing wooden frames where restoration is impractical. The board emphasized that original wooden frames that are sound should be repaired rather than removed; where existing frames are already capped or beyond repair the board accepted AZEK as a maintenance-free alternative if profiles match.
The proposal also included restoring cornice and soffits (scrape, repair and paint), preserving or repairing existing brackets (fabrication of one missing bracket), installing a painted wood beadboard ceiling across the storefront entry, converting canopy/affected ceiling light fixtures to recessed LED can lights, and preserving existing decorative columns but covering them with AZEK trim where indicated.
Board members discussed window grid patterns and agreed to a compromise pattern: windows facing Marshall Street to use a 2-over-2 grid appearance; Chain Street-facing windows to use a 9-over-9 grid appearance consistent with existing larger units. The motion approved the COA with those comments; the board also recorded that damaged brackets will be repaired or recreated to match existing profiles. Council review is scheduled for Oct. 7.
