Commission approves replacement of front doors at 187 Westminster after petitioner agrees to modify decorative glass

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Historic Commission approved a proposed front-door replacement at 187 Westminster Street after the petitioner amended the application to address commission concerns about anachronistic glass in the new doors.

What happened: Petitioner Janae McDonald asked the commission to approve replacement of a deteriorated pair of front doors. The proposed doors were wooden units with glass inserts whose decorative pattern the commission flagged as stylistically inconsistent with the house’s 1890 Victorian era. Following discussion, the petitioner agreed to amend the application: the exterior door glass will be clear or obscured insulated glass sized to match the existing openings, and the decorative glass panel removed from the door will be preserved and may be relocated inside the house for display.

Why it matters: Commissioners were focused on ensuring that exterior details remain consistent with the building’s historic era. The amended approach preserves the homeowner’s interest in daylighting and the decorative glass as an interior artifact while maintaining an exterior appearance consistent with late-19th-century fabric.

Details: The petitioner said the existing doors were beginning to fail and a single supplier had manufactured the replacement pair; the replacement units are wooden and will be painted to match the house’s trim color. Commissioners asked for final installation details and color choices, and the petitioner said she would provide those to staff.

Outcome: The commission voted to approve the application as amended, with the condition that the exterior glass be clear or obscured insulated glass matching proportions of existing openings and that final paint color and installation details be submitted to staff.