Historic panel approves replacement and charcoal mesh for second‑story screens at 101 W. Oklahoma

The Guthrie Historic Preservation Commission voted Aug. 4 to allow the removal and replacement of dilapidated second‑story exterior window screens at 101 West Oklahoma Avenue and approved a charcoal extra‑strength mesh as the replacement material. The commission voted 4–1 to remove and replace the existing screens and later approved the charcoal mesh, also by a 4–1 margin.

Commissioners said the existing screens were visually obstructive and that the property owners had already begun work before staff could advise them. Owner Chrissy Kincher told the commission she and her husband purchased the building and had been working with staff since April. "I talked with Dan starting in April about doing the screens," Kincher said, noting prior hail damage to turret windows and concern about future breakage. She described two contractor options: a solar screen that is only available with a white frame and an extra‑strength mesh that can come in charcoal or gray and can be supplied with a black frame.

Staff and commissioners focused on visual transparency and matching historic appearances. A staff member noted the town site code requires screens be transparent enough to reveal underlying window elements. Commissioners tested sample swatches at the meeting and discussed how light and background color affect perceived opacity. Commissioner Nathan Turner moved to permit removal and replacement of the second‑story screens; the motion passed 4–1 (Daryl Covington opposed). Turner later amended his motion to specify the charcoal extra‑strength mesh; that motion also passed 4–1 (Lisa Kennedy opposed).

The commission recorded two formal votes. The first motion, to remove and replace the existing screens on the second story at 101 West Oklahoma, passed 4–1 (Jason Wells, Nathan Turner, Valerie Duncan and Lisa Kennedy voting yes; Daryl Covington voting no). The second vote, to approve charcoal extra‑strength mesh with black frames and a crossbar, passed 4–1 (Wells, Turner, Duncan, Covington yes; Kennedy no). The staff report and the applicants’ samples will be used to confirm final materials and installation details.

Commissioners emphasized that owners should follow the town site code and the local design guidelines for future work. Kincher said she had received multiple citations from the city and is working with staff to resolve them. Staff offered the property owner printed guidelines and said staff would assist with citations and next steps.

The commission’s approval covers the screens shown in the applicant packet (charcoal extra‑strength mesh with black framing and crossbar). Any change to the approved material or color will require a return to the commission.