Commission requires front windows be replaced and muntin applied after unauthorized replacement at 2827 Louisville Avenue

The City of El Paso Historic Landmark Commission directed owners at 2827 Louisville Avenue to modify recently installed windows that the commission found incompatible with the house’s historic character. Staff described the house as a contributing bungalow in the Manhattan Heights Historic District and explained the windows had already been changed to horizontal sliders without approval.

Staff presented historic-design guidance stressing that replacement windows on principal elevations should match the type, operation and configuration of original windows, and recommended replacing the visible front windows with operable double-hung sash and adding an exterior applied muntin to a side picture window. “This is very, very different [from] the era of the house,” staff said, adding that horizontal sliders are “entirely inappropriate” on century‑old bungalows.

Fermín Dorado, representing owner Micema Flores, told the commission the replacements occurred in 2020 because the original wood windows were rotten and that permits were not pulled, possibly because of COVID-19 closures. Dorado said the owner is willing to comply.

Commissioners identified the two front windows as primary concerns and suggested replacing those with vertically divided sash rather than side‑sliding windows. The commission approved staff’s recommendation with a modification to require replacement of the two front windows that are visible from the public right-of-way and application of an exterior applied muntin to the side window; the motion passed by voice vote.

Staff will coordinate with the applicant to confirm the new windows match historic operation, configuration, dimensions and placement required by the design guidelines and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards.