Board approves window replacements and vented composite soffit at 272 West Market after lead-paint findings

York City — The Historical Architectural Review Board on Aug. 28 approved a proposal to replace windows and repair a second-floor fire-escape balcony at 270–272 West Market Street after the applicant presented lead-paint test results and revised material specifications.

Kevin Paul of Servpro, representing the property owner, told the board a UPMC report found lead-based paint on fire-escape balusters, deck boards and windows. “The report from UPMC indicated that lead-based paint is throughout the fire escape, balcony … and the windows,” Paul said. He proposed replacing nine second-floor windows, removing and replacing deck boards and rail systems, and replacing a deteriorated soffit.

Board members discussed options to preserve the building’s carved jigsaw spindles. One board member encouraged the applicant to investigate replicating the jigsaw-cut spindles — either by having new wood ones fabricated locally or by exploring composite replication — before defaulting to straight square balusters. “It would be nice to be able to figure out a way to preserve the jigsaw cut spindles, but … having them fabricated out of, like, a composite material, I don't know how that could be done,” a board member said.

Paul said he had priced some fabrication options but had not yet completed a cost comparison between targeted remediation/abatement and full replacement with composite materials. He noted some existing sections already show flat replacements and that cost could be significant; he also said the Andersen A-series (and the less expensive 100 series) were listed on the new spec sheet and were acceptable to the board.

On soffit and balcony detailing, board members preferred a vented composite or ply-bead-style product over unvented vinyl because of moisture concerns. The board asked Paul to research vented composite beadboard or similar materials and to return if necessary; the motion that carried authorized windows and included approval of a vented composite soffit if available, with vented vinyl as a fallback only if no composite/ply-bead option could be sourced. Paul said windows were about 12 weeks out, giving time to research railing and soffit options.

The board discussed construction detailing for long-term durability, including a membrane/subfloor approach and sleepers to allow drainage beneath composite walking surfaces; members warned that inadequate detailing could lead to joist deterioration and unsafe conditions.

The motion, as recorded in the meeting, approved the windows as specified and authorized the applicant to pursue the preferred vented composite soffit or an acceptable alternative if unavailable.