Commission approves fiberglass windows for non-original openings at 328 E. Sixth

The Newport Historic Preservation Commission voted Oct. 15 to permit fiberglass replacement windows on portions of 328 East Sixth Street where historic wood windows are not original or have been previously replaced.

Staff described the property as a circa-1878 two-and-a-half-story Italianate with only two known original 2-over-2 wood windows remaining; the applicant proposed Marvin/Infinity Ultrax fiberglass windows with simulated divided lights (SDLs) to replace non-original windows on the north and east elevations. A contractor representative, Steve Sunderman of Infinity for Marvin, showed a sample and explained the product’s exterior profile and SDL construction (exterior and interior grids with spacer between panes) and said the manufacturer also supplies true-wood windows for primary elevations.

Staff told commissioners that the design-review guidelines require retention and repair of original wood where feasible, but allow case-by-case use of proven substitute materials with a highly realistic appearance for non-original windows or less-visible elevations. Commissioners said the subject windows were not character-defining primary features and voted to approve the proposed fiberglass windows for the specified elevations.

The motion to approve COA HP2500798 for the replacement of the non-original windows with fiberglass carried unanimously. Commissioners asked staff to check the front openings again for originality; staff said those front windows would be handled separately if needed.

The applicant indicated windows would include SDLs and be painted black; screens will be used. The contractor noted the sample shown at the hearing uses simulated divided lights rather than true individual-pane construction for the fiberglass product.