The Beagle School’s application to replace and repair windows and alter exterior siding at 115 Regent Street split the Design Review Board on Sept. 10. After a lengthy presentation by the applicant’s architect and preservation contractor, the board approved restoring the Second‑Floor double‑hung windows and directed that the front siding remain rather than be removed; it left the casement-window decisions to a later submittal pending building‑code clarification.

Architect Artur Dabrowski (Balzer and Tuck) and contractor consultants described on-site hazardous-material testing that found trace amounts of asbestos in paint on some siding. They proposed aluminum‑clad wood windows as replacements for some in‑swing casements where safety/equipment concerns and modern egress requirements could not be met by retrofit hardware. School representatives emphasized safety for preschool children and said they preferred new windows with integrated safety hardware. The preservation foundation asked the board to favor restoration where feasible.

Board members agreed they preferred to preserve character‑defining wood windows where possible. After discussion the board voted to restore the double‑hung front windows, require the casement windows to be reviewed further (the applicant may return with code guidance or alternate egress measures), and keep the front siding in place rather than approve wholesale replacement. The motion (moved by Rob DeBauf, seconded by Jeff Wood) passed in voice vote.

Board members and the applicant discussed remediation protocols: staff and several board members noted that trace asbestos often does not require abatement if left undisturbed and that routine construction protocols (PPE, containment) are standard when work will disturb materials. The board invited the applicant to return with additional documentation, including any final building-department guidance on egress requirements for the Second Floor.