Commission legalizes aluminum 1-over-1 windows at Brooklyn Heights row house despite preservation opposition

The Landmarks Preservation Commission voted Feb. 4 to legalize aluminum, double-glazed 1‑over‑1 windows installed at 138 Glenwood (Jerolaman) Street in the Brooklyn Heights Historic District, concluding that the replacements matched the prevailing street pattern and that original wood brick molds were retained.

Preservation staff explained that the house — an 1855 Anglo‑Italianate row house — had been altered before designation of the district and that photographs from the 1940 tax photo record show multi‑lite parlor windows and 2‑over‑2 upper‑floor windows that predated the current aluminum sash. The present owner, Gary Gutman, told the commission he replaced the 1‑over‑1 units in 2006 to address tenant complaints about operability and to add screens; he said he kept the historic wood brick moldings exposed.

Representatives of the Brooklyn Heights Association, the Historic Districts Council and the Victorian Society urged the commission to require windows that replicate the 1915/1940 multi‑lite configuration and to use wood-clad profiles rather than full aluminum. Judy Stanton of the Brooklyn Heights Association said "any approved window replacement should replicate the configuration and materials of the windows that were installed in this house's early twentieth century renovation." The owner and several commissioners responded that the 1‑over‑1 pattern is consistent with the majority of houses on the block.

After discussion, the commission voted to approve legalization of the 1‑over‑1 aluminum windows, noting the retention of the wood window surrounds and the block’s prevailing 1‑over‑1 pattern. A roll call recorded seven ayes; no commissioners opposed.

The approval is specific to the installed condition and does not endorse the wholesale replacement of historic wood windows elsewhere on the block.