Norristown HARB recommends replacing fixed storefront window at 27 West Airy with two 1-over-1 units

The Norristown Historic Architectural Review Board voted unanimously to recommend that borough council grant a certificate of appropriateness for 27 West Airy Street to replace an existing fixed picture window with two 1-over-1 windows and engineered white trim.

Board members said the applicants plan would improve ventilation and better match neighboring window proportions while keeping the existing opening size. Applicant Camran (Cameron) Shazad told the board he recently purchased the building and proposed keeping the overall dimensions of the current opening, converting it from a single fixed plate window to two operable units to meet ventilation and code requirements. "We would convert from a single fixed plate window to two single unit of windows," Shazad said, adding the proposed dimensions would remain 80 inches by 65.5 inches.

Shazad said the building, which previously housed a law office and other uses, has been rezoned residential and will be rented. Board discussion focused on the visual effect of two narrower windows versus one narrower window matching neighbors; Shazad said he preferred the proposed two-window arrangement to preserve interior light and the facades existing proportions.

A motion to approve a certificate of appropriateness with conditions (replace the wooden picture window with two 1-over-1 vinyl-finished windows using the full existing opening and engineered white trim) was made by a board member and seconded; roll call recorded votes by Lynn, Dale and George as "yes" and the motion carried unanimously. Board members reminded the applicant that final approval must be granted by borough council before permits and work commence.

The board noted the application references local design standards labeled F5 and F14B. The applicant was told to await council review and may apply for building permits after council approval.