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Landmarks commission postpones Certificate of Appropriateness decision for 301 Windsor Drive
Summary
Commissioners held discussion about proposed window replacements, roof shingles and tuckpointing for a 1928 house in the Capels Park Historic District and voted to postpone the Certificate of Appropriateness application until the June meeting so the applicant can provide samples and the commission can review prior approvals.
The City of Waukesha Landmarks Commission voted on May 7 to postpone consideration of a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for 301 Windsor Drive (Capels Park Historic District) until the commission’s June meeting, after commissioners and staff requested more specific material samples and asked the applicant to attend.
City staff described the application as a request to replace two basement windows, replace the roof and tuckpoint masonry on the Cahill House, a 1928 English revival residence in the Capels Park Historic District. The applicant was not present; staff said the contractor quote named Seaway Commander-series vinyl casement basement windows (white), Owens Corning Duration Designer shingles for the roof, and tuckpointing with mortar matched to existing hardness, texture and color. The applicant indicated an intention to apply for historic preservation tax credits.
Commissioners discussed visibility of the basement windows and whether vinyl was acceptable for low-visibility locations. One commissioner recommended good-quality vinyl for the north-side, sunken basement window given damp conditions; other commissioners said staff should obtain samples and color options for both the windows and the proposed shingles before approving. Commissioners also noted a 2023 prior approval for a higher-definition shingle on this property that was not implemented because the prior owner sold the house.
Staff advised that Capels Park is not eligible for the city’s paint-and-repair grants (those funds target properties in low-to-moderate income census tracts), but the property may qualify for other RDA-administered affordable-housing rehab loans or leftover ARPA funds for roof and window work; staff said they would follow up with RDA staff.
A commissioner moved to hold the COA request (agenda id COA 2500794) until June so the homeowner can provide clearer material samples and attend the next meeting; the motion passed by voice vote. The commission asked staff to retrieve the prior 2023 approval materials so the commission could compare the earlier approval to the current proposal.
The postponement gives the applicant additional time during the construction season to revise materials and present samples; staff indicated they could grant administrative approvals for minor details if the commission preferred, but the commission chose to review the project again in June.
