Historic Landmark Commission approves exterior-mounted muntins for 4426 Oxford Avenue windows

The El Paso Historic Landmark Commission on an unspecified date approved a certificate of appropriateness for window work at 4426 Oxford Avenue, a contributing residential property in the Austin Terrace historic district.

Commission staff recommended replacing the main-facade windows with operable sash windows that include three-dimensional exterior-applied muntins to simulate the original multi-pane patterns, but the commission approved a compromise allowing exterior-applied muntins on the existing (inoperable) windows and required that no new permits be issued until the property is brought into compliance.

Moe, preservation staff, told commissioners the house was built in 1930 and is zoned R-4-H. Staff noted the earlier meeting had been used to request additional information from the contractor and homeowner. “The modifications are that the windows on the main facade be replaced with operable sash windows that have three-dimensional exterior applied muntins to simulate the original windows and that no new permits be issued until the property is brought into compliance,” Moe said while outlining staff’s recommendation.

Juan Pablo Ventano, representing Meta Roofing and Construction, told the commission he contacted window distributors and planned to use an aluminum exterior muntin product “similar to the GELD WEN aluminum muntins” and that the muntins he sourced measure about “1 inch by 1/8.” Ventano said the muntins he described would be applied to the exterior and that the existing grids appear to be part of a removable screen behind the glass.

A commissioner made a motion to accept staff’s recommendation with the modification that the windows remain unoperable and that exterior-applied muntins be installed as drawn; another commissioner seconded the motion. The commission voted in favor and approved the certificate of appropriateness. Commissioners instructed staff that no permits will be approved until the work is completed and the property is in compliance with the approved details.

Staff and the contractor also discussed permitting logistics: the contractor was told to begin by applying for the required window permit and that staff would verify the installed muntins match the approved samples before issuing remaining approvals. Ventano noted the homeowner also has other permits in process (a solar permit on hold and an electrical main panel upgrade) and was advised staff could issue the panel permit while the window work is completed and verified.

The commission’s approval applies to the specific exterior-applied muntin solution presented to the commission; staff will verify installation before issuing additional permits for the property.