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BAR approves window replacements at 540 Park Street, allows optional transom retention
Summary
The Charlottesville Board of Architectural Review approved a certificate of appropriateness for window replacements at 540 Park Street, requiring wood double-hung windows in most openings, allowing existing triple-casement units on the south elevation to remain casements, and leaving a small historic transom optional.
The Charlottesville Board of Architectural Review on June 17 voted to approve the application to replace windows at 540 Park Street, finding the proposed changes compatible with the property and the ADC District guidelines.
The board said the applicant had responded to requests from the BAR and staff by changing proposed casement windows to wood double-hung windows in most locations and upgrading from clad to wood windows. The motion recognized two specific exceptions: a triple casement window on the south elevation will remain casement, and the applicant may choose whether to retain or remove a small historic transom above a first‑floor opening.
Why it matters: The BAR treats exterior window patterns as an important character-defining element on older houses. The panel’s approval requires a level of material and design consistency staff and commissioners said was missing in earlier submittals.
Board action and key details: A member moved to find the proposed window replacements satisfy the BAR criteria and to approve the application as submitted, with clarification that the transom may be retained or removed at the applicant’s option. The motion also clarified that the south‑elevation triple windows would remain casements. The motion passed on a recorded vote (see “Votes at a glance”).
What the applicant told the board: The applicant said the design team had revised the submission to respond to the BAR’s prior direction by specifying double‑hung wood windows where appropriate, converting proposed clad windows to wood and limiting casements to the identified attic/upper openings.
Concerns and clarifications: Commissioners asked specifically about the small transom on the front façade and whether it was original. The applicant said that feature appears to be an applied element and did not fit its opening; the applicant plans to remove it but requested the BAR not require its reinstallation.
The board’s vote cleared the way for the applicant to proceed with permits and final shop drawings consistent with the approved window types and the exceptions noted above.
Ending: Staff will document the approval and note the two exceptions (south elevation triple casement and optional transom) in the permit record. If the applicant elects to retain the transom or varies from the approved wood window profiles, those changes may require follow‑up with staff or return to the BAR.
