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Board approves metal-clad window replacements for 135 North Kent Street
Summary
The Winchester Board of Architectural Review approved a certificate of appropriateness for metal-clad window replacements at the rear of a 7-unit condominium at 135 North Kent Street, citing the rear elevationas a secondary elevation and matching existing rear windows.
The Winchester City Board of Architectural Review on May 15 approved a certificate of appropriateness allowing the replacement of aging rear windows at 135 North Kent Street with metal-clad windows that match existing rear windows.
The decision affects a seven-unit condominium building originally constructed about 1900 and substantially renovated around 2019. Michael Bilder, the applicant, told the board that eight rear windows date to about 1986 and at least one was leaking and causing rot. "We would like to replace the 40 year old windows with ones ... the same brand in the same manufacturer of the- the ones that had been replaced on the backside the black ones," Bilder said during his presentation.
Board members discussed visibility, materials and historical significance. Several members noted that the rear elevation is a secondary elevation with limited public view from Kent Street. Vice Chair Wynne and other members referenced the board's flexibility for secondary elevations when considering non-primary facades. The board agreed the proposed windows would match the appearance of existing rear windows and would be aluminum-clad wood (metal-clad) to match the rest of the rear elevation.
A motion to approve BAR25-238 stipulated that vinyl windows be replaced with metal-clad windows of similar light configuration. The motion passed with board members voting aye and no opposition.
The board record shows the applicant asked staff to review prior approvals for the 2019 renovation; board members asked staff to confirm whether the rear windows had previously been approved and to note that the 1986 addition is not historically significant. The board's action authorizes the replacement as described; no additional work was required to be returned to the board beyond the certificate conditions.
Looking ahead, staff indicated they would check prior permit and approval files to document the 2019 rehabilitation and the 1986 addition, and the applicant may proceed under the certificate terms approved by the board.
