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Board awards historic-plaque request for 7 South Washington Street after renovation
Summary
The Board of Architectural Review approved a historic plaque for 7 South Washington Street (BAR25-239) after reviewing the property’s documented age (1913), preservation of original wood windows and a recent exterior renovation using thermally treated ash decking.
The Winchester City Board of Architectural Review voted to award a historic plaque for 7 South Washington Street (application BAR25-239), recognizing the property’s architectural and historic presence in the city’s district.
Applicant Cheryl Crowell described a multi-year, extensive renovation that included exterior painting, window reglazing and repair, gutter work and replacement of porch decking with a manufactured, thermally treated ash product called Thermory. Crowell said the house was built in 1913 and told the board she has owned the property since 1983. She noted the home retains many original wood windows (reglazed and painted) and original shutters (non-operable) and that two upper-story rear windows had been closed in historically and are not original.
Staff referenced zoning-ordinance language governing the plaque program (section 14-16 of the zoning ordinance) and told the board that plaques are awarded to structures with architectural or historic interest where exterior condition and past alterations are appropriate. Staff noted the board has previously awarded plaques to early-20th-century houses and that similar awards in the last seven years included properties from the same era.
Board members commended the applicant for sensitive restoration of wood windows and the overall preservation work. One board member emphasized that preserving and reglazing original wood windows is a preservation approach worth recognizing. The board voted by vocal assent to approve BAR25-239; staff will coordinate plaque production and notify the applicant when plaques are available (staff said the previous foundry closed and the city is arranging a new supplier).
Crowell asked about the front steps and a cracked concrete landing. Board members and staff said replacement or repair options would likely be administratively approvable, and staff offered to advise on solutions that would not require a return to the board.
Outcome: BAR25-239 was approved; staff will work with the applicant on plaque production and advise on any subsequent minor exterior repairs.
