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Panel approves window replacements at 15 East 80th Street but asks applicant to pursue curved‑glass options for rear sash
Summary
The commission approved replacement windows at 15 East 80th Street (Carnegie Hill) with simulated double‑hung aluminum frames for energy performance, and asked the applicant to investigate retaining or reproducing the historic curved sash at the rear with an interior storm solution if possible.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission on June 24 approved the replacement of deteriorated windows at 15 East 80th Street in the expanded Carnegie Hill Historic District, while directing the applicant to explore options that retain the building’s historic curved rear sash if feasible.
Daniela Tapia (Losai Architecture) presented the project for St. David’s School, which is converting the 1920 Delano & Aldrich townhouse to continued educational use. The applicant proposed aluminum tilt‑and‑turn windows that simulate a double‑hung appearance; staff noted that LPC rules permit changes in window operation when necessary to meet energy and code objectives and allow simulated double‑hung profiles that closely match the historic appearance.
Public commenters urged retention of historic wood and curved-glass sash. Jeremy Woodoff of the Victorian Society called the proposed replacement “inappropriate” for departing from historic operation, materials and curved sash and recommended weather-stripping and interior storm windows as alternatives. Friends of the Upper East Side and Carnegie Hill Neighbors similarly urged preservation or replication of wood sash at least on the primary (street) facade; Carnegie Hill Neighbors recommended preserving or replicating wood sash on the front while permitting aluminum tilt‑and‑turn on secondary facades.
Commissioners noted technical constraints: the applicant reported that available curved‑glass tilt‑and‑turn windows are limited in height (manufacturer maximum reported ~8'3") while the existing rear curved sash are taller. The commission approved the proposed aluminum simulated double‑hung windows for the project as submitted, with a staff direction that the applicant investigate whether curved-sash replacement plus interior storm windows could meet the applicant’s performance goals and, if feasible, return with that option for staff consideration.
Why it matters: windows are character‑defining features of townhouses; the commission balanced energy and code performance needs with preservation aims by approving a performance‑based solution while asking the applicant to test a conservation‑oriented alternative for the rear curved sash.
