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Commission approves most rear-window and door replacements at Terrace Avenue house but denies aluminum-clad windows
Summary
The commission approved replacement of failing casement windows, an oriel/bay unit and a rear door at 2121 North Terrace Avenue, but denied aluminum-clad replacement windows; the applicants were instructed to return with non-clad wood or wood-clad or fiberglass windows.
The Historic Preservation Commission on April 14 approved most of a Certificate of Appropriateness application for 2121 North Terrace Avenue (a Colonial Revival house in the Northpointe Historic District) but denied the applicants’ request to install aluminum-clad replacement windows.
Staff described the property’s deteriorated casement windows and recommended preservation where feasible. The applicants amended an initial plan to replace leaded glass with simulated divided lights and agreed to use lead tape where necessary. For the rear entry, staff recommended approval of a fiberglass replica door and a full-view metal storm door.
Representatives for the contractor Weathertight said the Pella clad windows purchased for the project are "extremely close" to wood windows and argued replacement would reduce future maintenance. "The Pella product that they build is almost indistinguishable... these windows will not require regular maintenance," the contractor said in testimony. The contractor also said the homeowners had already purchased the windows and they were awaiting installation.
Commissioners noted precedent and the commission’s long-standing practice favoring non-clad wood windows on historic buildings; they cited state tax-credit program requirements that typically mandate wood windows for certification. The commission approved the rear storm door and the oriel/bay unit but required non-clad windows for the replacements; staff was directed to communicate the requirement and applicants were advised of appeal avenues.
A motion to approve the certificate of appropriateness "as recommended by staff" (approval of door and oriel/bay unit; denial of clad windows) passed on a voice vote.
