Historic Landmark Commission approves replacement windows at 4410 Leeds Avenue

The El Paso Historic Landmark Commission on an oral voice vote approved a certificate of appropriateness for replacement windows at 4410 Leeds Avenue, a non‑contributing house built in 1951 in the Austin Terrace Historic District.

Commission staff member Providencia Velasquez presented the item and said the owner sought to replace several windows and that staff’s recommended modification was that any new windows “match the existing or historic windows.” She told the commission that Window World initially proposed horizontal slider units to replace original casements but that the property owner sought clarification and returned with samples showing units that operate like casements and carry external applied muntins that match the grid pattern. The owner, identified in the hearing as Martha Jordan, said she wants the windows replaced because the originals are old and allow wind and movement.

The recommendation mattered, the commission said, because the city’s preservation rules require replacements to match the original in operation, size and appearance when a window contributes to a building’s historic character. After brief questions from commissioners and the owner, Isaac (chair) moved to accept staff’s recommendation and a commissioner seconded. On a voice vote the commission recorded ayes and no opposition and approved the certificate of appropriateness.

The commission’s approval was limited to the proposal presented at the meeting: sash and grille pattern that match the existing casement operation and applied grid muntins. The record shows commissioners asked staff to ensure the windows operate in the same manner as historic casements rather than changing to a horizontal‑slider operation. Staff will issue a letter to the applicant that can be used with the building permit application.