Commission allows gable window, skylights and attic conversion at 1224 Sheridan Ave. by exception to guidelines

The Historic Preservation Commission voted July 10 to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for work at 1224 Sheridan Avenue, a contributing property in the Longfellow Historic District, granting an exception to allow a new window in the front gable where the current opening is a vent.

Rachel Schaeffer of Neighborhood and Development Services said the house — described as a 1947 side‑gabled minimal‑traditional cottage — will undergo an attic-to-bedroom conversion that requires a new egress window and other exterior changes. "This is in the Longfellow Historic District. It is a contributing property to that historic district," Schaeffer said. She explained most elements of the project (skylights, replacement windows, mini‑split installation) would normally be handled administratively, but the proposed picture window on the primary elevation requires a guideline exception.

Schaeffer outlined the proposal: replace nonhistoric vinyl side‑gabled windows with metal‑clad wood, add three low‑profile skylights on the rear roof plane, locate an exterior mini‑split unit on the east/rear side with piping concealed where possible, and cut a new opening in the front gable to install a fixed, four‑light metal‑clad wood window to match ground‑floor sash pattern. She said the proposed front window "will be in the same place as that existing vent, will be relatively small and match the historic character of those historic, ground floor windows," and noted nearby homes have similar upper‑gable windows.

Contractor Andy Martin, representing the applicant, confirmed the proposed front gable window will be a single fixed pane with interior and exterior muntin bars for appearance. "That front window is fixed, so it won't open," Martin said, noting the owner envisions a reading‑nook use.

Schaeffer said the egress window is required by building code and that the skylights are low profile and placed on the non‑street side. Staff recommended approval with an exception to Section 4.13 of the design guidelines, which normally discourages new attic openings on primary facades unless compatible with the historic pattern.

Commissioner Brown moved to approve the staff recommendation, with a second recorded as "Brentford" in the meeting transcript. The motion passed. The approval allows the attic conversion and associated exterior changes, subject to the conditions noted in the staff report.