Board approves replacement of windows and shingles at Louise P. Murphy House with conditions

The Historic Preservation Board approved a resolution allowing replacement of the exterior cedar-shake siding and the house’s windows at the Louise P. Murphy House (DS25197), subject to conditions intended to preserve the building’s visual character.

Planning staff reviewed the house’s listed character-defining features (period of significance: 1931; wood shingle siding; 6-over-6 double-hung wood sash with shutters) and reported that a city consultant found wholesale replacement of all siding and windows inconsistent with applicable preservation standards. Staff and the consultant said they lacked documentation showing the degree of deterioration necessary to justify full replacement. The applicant supplied a window condition survey and argued the house suffered a recent catastrophic incident that compromised the building paper and requires removal of shingles to replace weatherproofing.

Ward, representing the applicant/builder, told the board the house is in poor condition after a flooding event, the building paper has been compromised (a correction notice was issued by the city building inspector, Dwayne), and full removal of shingles is needed to replace waterproofing; he said the applicant proposes Kolbe Heritage Series windows (simulated-divided-light, insulated glass) with muntin and profile dimensions within about a quarter-inch of existing members and that crew can add the historic OG lug (corbel) detail. Ward said the applicant initially proposed a manufactured plank shingle product for durability and fire rating but is willing to use individually applied Number 1 cedar shingles if the board prefers.

Board discussion focused on whether replacement or repair was appropriate. Several members who inspected the house on-site said the shingles were extensively weathered and that the compromised building paper makes removal necessary to correct waterproofing. Members also emphasized preserving exposure heights, the alignment of horizontal lines, and the window/trim interface so the new work reads like the historic configuration from the public right-of-way. A board member said the replacement windows should include the OG lug detail and recommended factory-finish painted wood for durability; the applicant confirmed windows would be custom-sized and could be factory-finished.

The board moved to issue a determination of consistency that approved in-kind replacement of the shingles and approval of the proposed Kolbe (Kolbe/Colby branded Heritage Series) windows with the OG detail added, with conditions requiring: documentation of existing shingle exposure heights and window/trim interfaces to match existing; factory paint finish (white) to match trim; that the previously approved addition remain visually differentiated (and its windows remain differentiated); and that individual shingles be manually installed to retain a less-rigid appearance (not the fully aligned plank panel look). The roll-call vote was recorded as: Board member Dyer — yes; Board member Goodhue — yes; Board member Alvarez — yes; Chair Carlin — yes. The motion carried.

Staff will follow up with precise specifications for shingle exposure, window dimensions, OG lug details, and finish color to ensure field work matches the approved conditions.