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Bay City HDC approves window replacements at Green Avenue and McKinley properties
Summary
The Bay City Historic District Commission approved certificates of appropriateness for window replacement projects at a Green Avenue house and at 909 McKinley, finding both proposals meet the U.S. Secretary of the Interior rehabilitation standards cited and the city's historic preservation regulations.
The Bay City Historic District Commission on Wednesday approved certificates of appropriateness for two separate window-replacement projects: a homeowner proposal for a Green Avenue property (HDC case 25-24603) and a contractor-submitted plan for 909 McKinley (HDC case 25-25909).
Both applicants told the commission they will keep existing openings and exterior decorative elements while installing new energy-efficient windows. The commission's motions cited compliance with the U.S. Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation (Standards 1'3, 6 and 9) and section 64-11(c) of the city's historic preservation regulations.
The Green Avenue homeowner described long-standing drafts and said replacing existing storm windows with awning-style exterior windows would retain the original inner sashes while improving energy performance. The applicant said the work would not alter opening sizes and that decorative wood trim between paired windows will be left in place. A commission member asked about a parts list entry for a '10 3-inch frame expander'2; the applicant explained the part would compensate for depth differences and help set the new exterior unit without changing the opening.
On the McKinley application, Bob Nelson of Bizek Builders told the commission the owner had identified four severely drafty first-floor windows to replace now, with other windows planned later. Nelson said the work will keep existing openings and trim on the exterior; the plan calls for double-hung units at the four locations and a picture window in the center of a dining-room grouping. He said the owner believes double-hung units will seal more reliably than the current casements.
Commissioners clarified that neither project involves changing the size of window openings or removing non-window decorative elements; several commissioners sought and received confirmation that patterned glazing (muntin/mutton patterns) would be replicated on the visible windows where required.
Votes at a glance - HDC case 25-24603 (Green Avenue): Motion to approve certificate of appropriateness moved and supported; outcome: approved. Motion language: "approve a certificate of appropriateness for all work described and depicted by the work review application for case HDC 25-24603." Vote tally: not specified on the record. - HDC case 25-25909 (909 McKinley): Motion to approve certificate of appropriateness moved and supported; outcome: approved. Motion language: "approve a certificate of appropriateness for all work described and depicted by the work review application for case HDC 25-25909." Vote tally: not specified on the record.
No fines, penalties or alterations to property boundaries were proposed; commissioners and staff directed applicants to follow up with Terry in the historic preservation office for permitting and any remaining administrative steps.
The approvals were granted under the commission's assessment that the proposed work meets cited Secretary of the Interior standards and the city regulation referenced in the motions. Applicants and staff emphasized the work is intended to improve energy efficiency while retaining visible historic features.
