Durfee Block window restoration draws support; committee weighs partial funding to cover additional cost of historically accurate windows

The Durfee Block historic renovation drew committee support for its potential to complete a key downtown block, but members questioned the full $548,011 historic‑window request and suggested the CPC could fund the incremental cost of historically accurate windows rather than the entire quote.

Speakers noted the project has secured additional funding avenues — tax credits, a 10‑year tax increment financing (TIF) structure and letters of support from state and historic agencies — but also pointed out the applicant had not provided a direct comparison number for non‑historic (standard) window costs. Committee member Alex Silva recommended staff ask the applicant for a quote showing the cost difference between standard replacement windows and historically accurate windows so the CPC can consider funding only the preservation incremental cost.

Members said the Durfee Block project ties to broader downtown revitalization and could be an anchor project for the block that includes other recent CPC investments. No funding decision was made; staff were asked to get cost comparisons and confirm which façades are visible from public ways and thus subject to historic preservation requirements.