Historic District Commission approves altered window openings at 170 East Poplar Avenue after fire

The Collierville Historic District Commission on May 22 approved alterations to window openings at 170 East Poplar Avenue, allowing the east‑facing opening to be reduced in height to accommodate an interior sink and storage and permitting work on the north‑facing opening while keeping the existing exterior framed opening intact. The commission approved the application with five conditions; frosting or opaque glazing was made optional for the owner.

Historic preservation planner Jamie (staff) told commissioners the subject property is a contributing structure in the National Register district, built circa 1902, and that the commission must weigh compliance with the local historic district guidelines and the Secretary of the Interior standards against any adverse effect on the property or district. Jamie said the windows in question were part of the original house and visible from the street, and noted staff had recommended approval with conditions intended to preserve the window openings and framing where possible.

Property owner Walt Gimmon said the laundry room at the rear of the house was “completely destroyed” in the fire and the owners want to reconfigure the room for storage and to install a sink. Walt said the north window opening extends to about 2 feet from the floor now, preventing base cabinets; the owners asked to remove that window to allow cabinetry and to lower the east window’s sill so a sink can be installed. Kelly Gimmon described her preference for a window over the sink so she can “look out into the yard and watch the kids play.”

Commissioners and the applicant discussed alternatives the guidelines allow when original windows cannot be retained, including frosted or spandrel glass, fixed windows that preserve the original opening, or interior blocking/pony walls that would retain the exterior appearance. Staff and several commissioners emphasized the guideline preference to keep original openings or preserve the framed opening so a future owner could reinstall a window.

After discussion and multiple amendments to the sample conditions in the packet, a motion to approve the application as modified carried on a roll call. The recorded roll call in the transcript shows the following commissioners voting yes: Commissioner Cox; Commissioner Brooks; Commissioner Walker; Commissioner Rosanski; Commissioner Dean; Commissioner Hall; and Chairman Kelsey. The motion approved the applicant’s proposed changes with five conditions (staff noted earlier that conditions 1 and 4 were discussed and that frosting would be optional). Jamie said permits for interior work and possibly for the windows will still be required.

The commission heard additional technical details during the presentation and public discussion: the house is zoned R‑1 (low‑density residential); the applicants indicated insurance proceeds will fund the repair work; parts of the structure are on a slab where plumbing work is needed; and staff asked for manufacturer window details if new windows are proposed. The commission’s approval requires the applicant to address the stated conditions and to provide window details for staff review.

The vote outcome was recorded as approved (unanimous). No appeal or deadline associated with the certificate was stated during the meeting.

The commission moved on after the action to other agenda and administrative items.