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Board approves in-kind window and millwork restoration at 401 West Market Street, allows composites in lieu of pine
Summary
The Historic Preservation Board approved restoration work at 401 West Market Street including replication of rotted decorative millwork and window repairs; the board indicated composite materials such as AZEK are preferred over painted pine for durability and asked that missing features be replaced in kind where possible.
The York City Historic Preservation Board approved an application to restore windows and replace deteriorated decorative millwork at 401 West Market Street, with the board indicating a preference for durable materials such as composite millwork in lieu of painted pine.
The applicant (unnamed in the record) told the board that the existing window casings and surrounding dentil and carved trim are in “really, really bad shape” and that portions of the façade are currently covered with OSB. The applicant said he intended to return the façades to their original appearance “as close as can be replicated” once a permit allows closer inspection and removal of later repairs.
Board members discussed material choices and previous restrictions. One board member said pine commonly deteriorates quickly and recommended composite materials; another clarified the board generally avoids vinyl cladding but has approved higher-quality composite products. The board specifically mentioned AZEK (spelled by participants during the discussion as a representative composite) as an acceptable milling substrate and also noted hardwoods such as mahogany or Spanish cedar as longer-lasting alternatives.
The board voted to approve the application with the stated preference that missing features be replicated in kind where possible and that composite materials may be used in lieu of painted pine. Members discussed attaching the restoration details to the building permit so the inspections staff could reference approved materials and profiles during construction. The chair called the vote in favor; the transcript records unanimous approval without a recorded roll-call tally.
Board members clarified that the board does not regulate paint color choices and that repainting the restored sash white was acceptable under the board’s policies as described in the meeting.
The transcript includes multiple suggestions from board members for local millworkers and vendors who can fabricate period millwork; the applicant said he will pursue fabricators and had an on-site shop but welcomed referrals.
