The Dallas Landmark Commission on Sept. 6 approved revisions to the fenestration and material palette for the redevelopment of 805 Elm Street in the West End Historic District, and imposed a condition that new windows be aluminum rather than vinyl.

Commission staff presented revised elevations and materials on behalf of the applicant, saying the applicant had updated renderings to show corrected brick colors and revised window proportions and had added pilasters and paired windows to better relate to the original building. Staff recommended approval of the fenestration changes and recommended that windows be aluminum, not vinyl. The Landmark task force had no quorum; its comments—submitted as “comments only”—asked for more detailing around window surrounds, questioned the use of a darker brick color, and recommended running-bond brick rather than stacked bond.

The applicant’s representative said the redesign had been driven by both preservation criteria and practical constraints for an adaptive-reuse/mixed project. He and the project architect told commissioners they had increased overall window heights, regrouped windows to create a rhythm compatible with the historic block, replaced proposed metal panels between windows with brick, and were prepared to use running-bond brick per staff direction.

Commissioners questioned window profiles and color choices. Several members said the updated design improved compatibility with the adjacent historic fabric; others pressed for additional detailing. After discussion, the commission voted to approve staff’s recommendation to amend the previously approved certificate of appropriateness for the additions and fenestration, and to approve replacement windows only on the condition that the windows be aluminum — not vinyl — configured 1-over-1. The motion passed with two dissenting votes (Commissioners Bellisi and Taylor).

The commission’s action also included direction that shop drawings for the approved aluminum window system be submitted to staff for review of proportions and detailing before permits are issued. The applicant and staff said the project team intends to advance required federal and state historic-tax-credit filings after the commission action.

The commission and staff emphasized the project must meet the West End preservation criteria including rhythm and proportion of openings and Secretary of the Interior Standards for rehabilitation.

Community members and preservation advocates had no formal public comment recorded during the item. The applicant said time is a factor because federal/state tax-credit and permitting schedules depend on Landmark approvals.

The commission’s decision will be reflected in the amended certificate of appropriateness and in staff review of final shop drawings prior to issuance of building permits.