Historic district commission approves two window replacements; staff: no building permit needed if windows fit existing openings

The Kalamazoo Historic District Commission unanimously approved certificates of appropriateness for window replacements at two properties: 1411 Grand and 1006 Osborne.

At 1411 Grand, an applicant seeking to replace a drafty kitchen window described the work as a like-for-like replacement that will match the appearance and operation of the existing opening. The applicant said the current lower windows are not original to the house and that the new windows will match the existing configuration. After brief questions about grill patterns and whether the pictured window was the exact model, a commissioner moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness, finding the proposed work complies with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for rehabilitation. A roll-call vote recorded Katie: Yes; Christie: Yes; Dana: Yes; Dan: Yes; James: Yes.

At 1006 Osborne, applicant Don (who identified himself as living at 2621 Apple Lane and said he is repairing and preparing the house for resale following his son's death) described a Pella Reserve double-hung wood window to replace a rotted window on a rain- and wind-exposed side of the building. Don said interior oak trim would be reused and the new window would have tempered glass to meet a code requirement for the stairwell. The commission voted to approve the certificate of appropriateness; roll call recorded Katie: Yes; Christie: Yes; Dana: Yes; Dan: Yes; James: Yes.

For both approvals, staff told applicants that if the replacement window fits the same opening, no additional building permit is required. Staff said it will send paperwork to applicants confirming approval so work can proceed.

The commission also briefly reviewed routine coordinator reports listing small exterior projects, such as sign refacing at 632 Locust (New Day Church), and adjourned soon after the approvals.