HPC approves restoration and historic-window replacement for 7 Green Street

The Historic Preservation Commission voted to approve exterior repairs and historically sensitive window replacement at 7 Green Street, a small mid-19th-century house in the Witherspoon-Jackson Historic District.

Owner and preservation architect Annabelle Radcliffe Trenner proposed restoring the front façade with six-over-six true-divided-light windows fabricated to historic profiles, importing cylinder-style historic glazing, and painting new sash and trim with linseed-oil paint. The commission approved the plan after reviewing muntin profiles, glass options and exterior lighting and found the design appropriate for the district.

Why it matters: The house dates to approximately 1840 and is included in the neighborhood’s inventory; the owner placed a preservation easement on the property and said the work aims to stabilize structural framing, restore historically compatible windows, and use durable, traditional materials.

Trenner described research supporting six-over-six sash as appropriate for the 1840 period, and said the project will use poured (cylinder) “histo glass” from a UK supplier to match historic character. She also told the commission she plans to use linseed-oil paint produced by a U.K. maker (Bruin’s family supplier referenced) for window sash and trim, and that the sash will be sized so the muntin profiles preserve the historic look even though insulated historic glass is slightly thicker than single-pane glass.

Commission staff noted the house is in a Type 2 district, which requires HPC review for changes visible from the public right-of-way. During the meeting staff and several commissioners praised the applicant’s research and craftsmanship plans. Commissioner roll call showed approval from the board; one commissioner, David Shore, recused himself from this item.

Formal action: The commission approved the preservation plan; recorded roll-call votes were: Mr. Shatkin — yes; Miss Howard — yes; Miss Friedman — yes; Chairperson Capizzoli — yes. The transcript records David Shore as recusing himself from this item.

Technical and material clarifications: Trenner said the proposed sash will use custom muntin profiles sized for period character, that the poured historic insulated glazing would be imported, and that the frames and trim would be painted with linseed-oil paint to increase longevity and reduce repetitive repainting. She also said the rear 1900-era addition’s later 2-over-2 windows will be repaired in place and left as-is to reflect building chronology.

Next steps: The applicant will follow up with any final details requested by staff; no further HPC conditions were recorded in the meeting minutes.