Historic Landmark Commission approves exterior muntins for windows at 4652 Capel Circle

The El Paso Historic Landmark Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness with modifications for window work at 4652 Capel Circle, directing the property owner to add three‑dimensional exterior applied muntins to the front windows and the first side window and to obtain any required permits retroactively.

The commission heard from historic‑preservation staff that the house—located in the Austin Terrace Historic District and identified as a contributing property—had its original casement windows replaced with non‑operable, single‑pane units without the required permits. Staff recommended exterior applied muntins to simulate the original multi‑light appearance rather than full window replacement.

Staff summarized the design guidance the commission relied on and recommended as the basis for its decision, noting that replacement windows in historic districts should match the original window type, style, operation, configuration and finish when feasible and that repairs are preferred to replacement. The staff presentation said the current front windows are single‑pane picture windows that “don’t match the historic windows at all” and that surrounding properties on the block showed similar unpermitted changes.

Homeowner Glenn West told the commission he was unaware that the prior owner’s contractor had not pulled permits and described circumstances that led to the windows’ replacement, saying, “I didn’t know they didn’t get a permit for the windows. I had no clue.” West agreed to the staff proposal to apply exterior muntins that simulate the original divisions and said he would pursue an after‑the‑fact permit after the work was completed.

Commissioners moved to approve the staff recommendation with the modification that three‑dimensional exterior applied muntins that simulate or match the original muntins be applied to the front windows and the first side window near the front of the house. The motion carried with no recorded opposition; the commission directed staff to send the owner a certificate of appropriateness letter describing the required modifications and the recommended next steps.

The commission and staff advised the owner about low‑cost options to simulate historic muntins, including exterior applied muntin bars affixed with specialized double‑sided tape (staff referenced 3M VHB tape as an example). Staff also advised that the owner should submit any available older photographs of the house to the historic preservation office to help match a muntin pattern consistent with the original windows.

Staff noted that window permits are required citywide regardless of historic status and that, because the windows were installed without permits, the owner should expect to apply for an after‑the‑fact permit; the office will inspect installation and sealing as part of that review.

The commission’s approval applied only to the modifications listed in the certificate of appropriateness and did not alter applicable city ordinances or the underlying design guidelines.