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Historic Preservation Commission approves in-kind window replacement at 233 Cedar Street
Summary
The commission granted a certificate of appropriateness for replacement of 38 windows at 233 Cedar Street with custom Anderson units to match existing sash profiles, muntin patterns and exterior color; several technical clarifications were recorded.
The Historic Preservation Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness for replacement of 38 windows at 233 Cedar Street, following a staff and consultant review that confirmed the work will preserve the house’s historic proportions and exterior trim.
An applicant identified in the meeting as the owner of 233 Cedar Street presented the proposal to replace all principal elevation windows (38 total) with custom-made replacement units. The applicant said the replacements would be custom to fit existing openings, retain original glass width and height, and preserve exterior casings, sills and trim. The owner said the new windows would be Anderson-brand (Acclaim/‘‘A’’-series equivalent), double-hung, insulated-glass units; exterior color will be black with white interiors.
Consultant Mike Pollan reviewed the application and asked a series of technical questions the applicant answered on the record: the replacements will maintain the existing 1-over-1 sash patterns for the main house, the L-shaped connector has 6-over-6 muntined windows and replacements will match those muntin patterns, and the proposed simulated divided lights use 5/8-inch profiles to match historic muntin sightlines. Pollan confirmed the replacements will preserve original glazing dimensions and that exterior trim will not be modified.
Why it matters: The commission’s treatment maintains visible historic proportions and street-facing appearance while allowing energy improvements inside the sash — an approach the consultant and commission noted is consistent with guidance from state and national preservation bodies.
Formal action: Commissioners made affirmative findings under the city historic-preservation code (citing exhibits 3–7 and exhibit 13) tied to the code subsections read into the record, then voted by roll call to issue the certificate of appropriateness. The recorded roll call showed unanimous approval by the commissioners present (4–0 among voting members after prior recusal had reduced the voting panel earlier in the meeting).
Technical clarifications on the record: - Replacement windows custom-made to fit existing openings; no exterior infill or trim replacement anticipated. - Main-house windows: 1-over-1 double-hung; connector (L) windows: 6-over-6 muntined pattern (four on east, four on west elevations of the L). - Simulated divided lights (SDL) will match original muntin profile at 5/8-inch. - Exterior finish: black exterior paint; interior finish: white. - Manufacturer: Anderson Acclaim (A-series equivalent) specified in applicant’s supplemental materials.
Who spoke in the meeting on this item: Owner/applicant (name not specified in transcript), Mike Pollan, Liam Reardon (vice chair), Peter Gable, Matthew Whitecamp (recused from prior item but present for procedural votes), Nathaniel King, Anne Marie Quinn.
Next steps: Staff will prepare the signed certificate and permit paperwork; work must begin within six months and be completed within one year per commission procedures.
