Augusta HPC approves porch expansion and rear addition at 2540 Henry Street but denies full window replacement

The Augusta Historic Preservation Commission approved renovations at 2540 Henry Street — allowing an expanded front porch and a rear addition that includes garage, mudroom and laundry — but denied the applicant’s request to replace the house’s existing windows with a different muntin configuration.

Staff told the commission it was comfortable with the porch and rear addition plans but recommended denial of full window replacement because the application proposed a changed muntin pattern that would not match existing windows and because the commission had already denied a prior full‑replacement application in October. The commission adopted staff’s recommendation: items 1 (front porch expansion) and 2 (rear addition) were approved; item 3 (replacement of all windows with the proposed muntin pattern) was denied.

Why it matters: windows and muntin patterns are a key character‑defining element in the Somerville Historic District. Commission policy favors repair over wholesale replacement, or replacement that matches original light patterns when replacement is necessary.

Applicant rationale and neighborhood context

Owner Christine Nelson Chung told the commission several windows are painted shut and some panes are broken; she said improved thermal performance and ease of use motivated the request. Architect Jim Webb and the applicant noted that lots on Henry Street display a mix of window patterns and that other homes nearby feature differing muntin configurations.

Historic Augusta and staff concerns

Historic Augusta and staff argued the application lacked necessary detail for the window changes and questioned whether all windows required replacement rather than selective repair or inset storm windows. Staff recommended postponement in earlier stages but ultimately suggested approval of the porch and rear addition while denying the window replacement in its current form.

Commission action

A motion to approve the front porch expansion and rear addition and to deny the full window replacement passed (recorded vote: six in favor). The commission also required the applicant to retain or match original column configurations on the primary elevation and instructed staff to ensure material choices meet guidelines.

What comes next

The applicant can revise the window proposals to retain existing muntin patterns or present evidence that specific windows are beyond repair. Staff will issue an approval letter documenting the permitted work and the denial basis for the windows.