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ILPC delays decision on window and door replacements at 407 North Aurora, requests samples and sections
Summary
The Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission continued the application from Crown Construction to replace seven windows and a door at 407 North Aurora Street, requesting product samples, large-scale jamb sections and condition documentation before acting.
The Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday continued a proposal from Crown Construction to replace seven 6-over-6 wood windows and an exterior apartment door at 407 North Aurora Street in the East Hill Historic District, asking the applicant to return with additional documentation and product samples.
Adam Gosar of Crown Construction presented the application, describing seven exterior windows with worn or broken storm windows, drafty sash operation, and one kitchen window that is missing muntins and is "out of square". Gosar proposed painted fiberglass replacement windows with simulated divided lights to match the 6-over-6 configuration and a painted fiberglass apartment door, arguing the painted fiberglass product would visually match historic windows when painted and offer improved energy performance and security.
The commission's consultant (Julie Kitson) had advised consideration of historic wood replacements such as a Marvin historic wood window; that guidance appears in an email read into the record. Commissioners raised multiple concerns: whether the windows can be repaired in kind, the extent to which the existing jambs, sills and trim would be removed by a full replacement, how much the new sash would sit back from the exterior casing, and the visual effect of inserting replacement units into historic openings. One commissioner cautioned that historic windows properly maintained and repaired can perform comparably to replacements. The applicant acknowledged at least one window is significantly out of square (about 2 inches) and said the kitchen window would likely require a slightly smaller replacement unit with a wedge; several windows are indicated as having sash pins or pulley-and-weight systems.
The commission voted to continue the application and requested the applicant provide: samples of the proposed painted fiberglass product and of the recommended historic wood window; detailed condition documentation (including which windows are out of square and by how much); a large-scale cross section through jamb/head/sill showing how the new unit would sit relative to existing exterior casing; and photographs or full-window samples sufficient for commissioners to assess profile and sight lines. The applicant was told that if those materials are submitted within two weeks the item could be placed on the June agenda.
No formal approval or denial was recorded; the transcript shows the commission directed the applicant to return with the specified information for further review.
