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Historic district panel approves replacement window at 422 Stewart Ave.
Summary
The Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness to replace a third‑story, nonhistoric aluminum pocket window with an aluminum‑clad window of the same size to meet bedroom egress and maintenance needs.
The Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Commission on a unanimous roll call approved a certificate of appropriateness to replace a third‑story, nonhistoric aluminum pocket window at 422 Stewart Ave.
The applicant, Arnie Block of Block Builders, said the existing sash is stuck and the replacement is needed to restore functionality and provide required egress for a bedroom. "That window the 1 sash is broken. In other words, it's jammed open, so it's no longer functional," Block told the commission. He said the replacement will not change the opening's overall size and that exterior trim will be cedar to match existing finishes.
Commissioners were shown photos and details of the existing condition and the proposed window. A commissioner asked whether the proposed unit will match the visual character of the historic house; Block said the new window will be a single awning sash with a central vertical divided light to resemble what likely existed historically and to align with windows on lower stories. The applicant noted the choice of an aluminum‑clad unit was driven by long‑term maintenance and the need to meet egress dimensions.
The motion approved the certificate of appropriateness "for the work as described in the application as it complies with Secretary of the Interior Standards 2, 6, 9, and 10." The commission recorded a unanimous vote: Katie, Christie, Dana and James all voted yes. The applicant said staff would follow up on whether a separate building permit is needed.
The commission's public file and staff noted guidance documents relevant to such decisions, including Chapter 16 of the City of Kalamazoo Code of Ordinances and the Michigan Local Historic Districts Act. The approval preserves the opening size while allowing a modern, aluminum‑clad sash to be installed for safety and maintenance reasons.
The applicant and commission staff said they would complete paperwork and follow up later in the week about next steps and permitting.
