Landmark commission approves window replacement at 2422 Avenue M

The Galveston Landmark Commission on April 21 approved a certificate of appropriateness for alterations at 2422 Avenue M that will remove a west‑facing front door and install a new 2‑over‑2 wood window with trim to match the existing. The motion carried after a public hearing and a staff recommendation for approval.

Staff said the work will return the house to its original appearance and single‑family function. “The applicant is requesting to remove a door on the front facade and replace it with a window,” a staff member reported, noting Sanborn map research shows the house was built as a single‑family residence. Staff added that historic materials such as the door transom and trim removed should be retained on site and made available for reuse.

Applicant Michael Watson said the property had been used as a vacation rental and previously divided into multiple units, and that the project aims to restore the house to a single family layout. “When they bought it, it was a vacation rental and it had like 3 units in it…we want to remove the door that goes into the living area and put a window back,” Watson said.

Commissioners discussed the transom heights and installation feasibility; one commissioner observed both doors “have transoms, but and they're both at the same height,” concluding the new window should fit easily. No members of the public spoke in opposition.

Staff recommended approval subject to adherence to the submitted design, placement and materials and to retention of historic materials; the commission approved the request by voice vote. The staff report noted nine public notices were sent and none were returned.