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Historic panel OKs fiberglass on secondary facades at 824 Monroe; requires wood on front
Summary
Newport Historic Preservation Commission conditionally approved fiberglass windows for the side and rear of 824 Monroe but required a wood window for the primary (front) facade after a presentation and product sample from the contractor.
The Newport Historic Preservation Commission on Oct. 15 conditionally approved replacement windows at 824 Monroe, allowing fiberglass windows on secondary elevations while requiring a wood window on the home's primary (front) facade.
The property, described to the commission as an 1887, two-and-a-half-story brick Italianate, currently has nonhistoric vinyl windows on several facades. The applicant sought permission to replace six windows on the east and south sides and to install the same fiberglass product on the front elevation.
Staff explained the commission’s design-review guidelines are based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and the National Park Service Preservation Brief 16, which recommend case-by-case review of substitute materials. Staff told commissioners the commission has historically required wood on primary facades but retains authority to approve substitute materials elsewhere in a district.
Representatives of Gilkey Window, including Kevin Hillebrand, showed a fiberglass sample modeled to mimic wood profiles and mortise-and-tenon joinery and said the product can be painted and use simulated divided lights (SDLs) to match historic appearance. Hillebrand said the product is locally made and was previously approved by another local historic review body because of its wood-like profile.
After discussion about visibility, longevity, and precedent, a motion was made and seconded to grant conditional approval: the primary (front) facade window must be wood; the secondary-facade windows may be fiberglass. The motion passed unanimously.
Commissioners and staff said they would follow up with the applicant by email with conditions and next steps.
The action clarifies how the commission will treat substitute window materials on modestly visible elevations and places a firm requirement to retain a wood window where the feature is most character-defining.
The commission did not approve vinyl for the front and noted that review for state rehabilitation tax credits and the Kentucky Heritage Council tends to be stricter when original wood survives.
