HARB approves non‑vinyl window replacement for fire‑damaged building at 631 Cleveland

The York City Historical Architectural Review Board on Sept. 11 approved replacement windows for a fire‑damaged property at 631 Cleveland and stipulated a non‑vinyl composite product rather than vinyl.

Rick, representing Elite and the property owner, described the building as fire‑damaged and said the project would replace two or three windows, including a second‑story window above the front door that showed fire damage. "Hello. My name is Rick. I'm with Elite. We have a property 631 Cleveland that was a burn building. I'm looking to replace the windows to the building," he said.

Board members discussed material choices and emphasized that vinyl has not served well in the local climate and typically does not replicate historic profiles. They encouraged the applicant to use a composite product (examples cited in discussion included Andersen series or similar composite/fiberglass products) that will better match adjacent windows and hold up longer than vinyl. The board clarified it would not require replacement of existing non‑fire‑damaged vinyl windows on adjacent units, but urged the applicant to use composite material for the damaged windows now under review.

A motion to accept the application as amended to require a non‑vinyl product was moved, seconded and approved. The applicant was cleared to proceed with composite windows and advised to provide product specifications to staff as part of the permit documentation. The HARB’s approval is a recommendation to City Council, which will handle final permitting.