Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the 1212 Anthony Windows Appeal topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
DDRC denies appeal; owner of 1212 Anthony Avenue must replace vinyl windows with aluminum‑clad units
Summary
The DDRC denied an appeal from the owner of 1212 Anthony Avenue regarding unpermitted vinyl window replacements and directed that the non‑compliant windows be replaced with aluminum‑clad windows with exterior grids, deferring final design approval to staff.
The Design and Development Review Commission voted to deny an appeal from the owner of 1212 Anthony Avenue and required replacement of non‑compliant vinyl windows with aluminum‑clad windows featuring exterior muntins, with final design approval deferred to staff.
Preservation staff reported that original wood windows on one side of the 1940 brick veneer duplex (1210–1212 Anthony Avenue) had been removed and replaced without permits by vinyl windows with grills between glass (GBG). Staff said it could not assess the original windows before removal and therefore could not determine whether they were repairable, but concluded the installed vinyl units did not match the original windows in detailing, reflective quality or materials. Staff recommended denial of the appeal and that incompatible vinyl windows be replaced with aluminum‑clad windows with exterior muntins.
Owner Charles Maddox testified that the original windows were water damaged, that the pulley systems were broken and painted shut, and that he purchased energy‑efficient insulated‑glass vinyl units because they were substantially less expensive — about $350 per window compared with roughly $1,100 per unit for new wood windows from local suppliers. Maddox said he regretted not obtaining permits and was willing to pay required fees.
Neighborhood speakers, including Cece Wellman, president of the Cottontown Bellevue Historic District Neighborhood Association, and John Shearer, director of preservation for Historic Columbia, urged the commission to uphold the district guidelines. Wellman said the guidelines were adopted in 2009 to preserve architectural integrity and asked that the appeal be denied. Shearer supported upholding the guidelines and noted property owners are generally able to find guideline information.
A commissioner moved to deny the appeal and require replacement of the vinyl windows with aluminum‑clad windows with exterior grids; the amended motion noted the replacements were not in keeping with Section 5 of the Cottontown Bellevue Architectural Conservation District guidelines. The motion passed by roll call; all commissioners voted yes.
