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Leesburg BAR approves Weather Shield windows for 212 S. King, applicant may still opt for Pella
Summary
The Board of Architectural Review approved a requested material substitution for windows on a new brick addition at 212 South King Street, finding the proposed Weather Shield aluminum-clad windows visually comparable to the Pella windows originally authorized; the applicant retained the option to use the previously approved Pella product.
The Leesburg Board of Architectural Review on May 21 approved a request to change the approved window product for the brick addition at 212 South King Street, authorizing Weather Shield aluminum-clad windows while preserving the applicant’s option to order the previously approved Pella windows.
Staff said the change affects the new construction portion of the property and that the Weather Shield product visually approximates the previously approved Pella Lifestyle windows. The board opened a public hearing; no members of the public spoke. Tom Gilbride (staff/meeting presenter) noted staff had reviewed a full‑size sample in person though the applicant did not bring it to the meeting because of weather; the sample remains on the porch at 212 South King. Contractor Dylan McCreavy of Clay Construction told the board the Weather Shield product includes jamb liners that allow the sash liner color to match the cladding and that the product carries a 20‑year exterior warranty, compared with a 10‑year exterior warranty the board discussed for the previously authorized product.
Why this matters: the project is in Leesburg’s H1 historic district and Board approvals govern visible materials for new construction. Although staff said such material substitutions are often handled administratively, because the board had not previously approved Weather Shield the item came to the BAR for explicit authorization. The board and staff emphasized that product availability can affect construction schedules and that the applicant retains the option to use Pella if ordering shows it arrives sooner.
Board discussion focused on whether to see a full sample and on precedent; several members said similar windows had been approved previously and that the proposed product appeared compatible. Julie Pastor made the motion to approve exactly as staff recommended and to preserve the option for the applicant to use the Pella windows from the original approval; Judd Fido seconded. Pastor read the motion on the record, including the finding language referenced to the Leesburg Zoning Ordinance. The motion passed, 7–0.
What the approval includes and next steps: staff’s approval expects the windows to match the submitted photos and sample reviewed in person; any future alterations to the architectural design (footprint, height, materials, etc.) will require a revised application. The applicant may proceed with Weather Shield windows or choose the previously authorized Pella product.
Speakers at the item included a staff presenter and contractor Dylan McCreavy; board members who made and seconded the motion were identified in the record. No public commenters addressed the item.
A related administrative note: staff explained that the new‑construction guidelines do not list specific product brands but require new elements to visually approximate traditional materials, which informed staff’s recommendation and the board’s vote.
