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Commission recommends replacing or infilling unapproved glass block at property on South Champion Avenue
Summary
The commission recommended approval of a plan that either replaces unauthorized basement glass block with approved basement windows from the windows list or infills the openings with painted fiber-cement or plywood panels; staff said glass block is not an acceptable long-term solution in the historic district.
The commission considered an application regarding basement openings where glass block windows were installed without prior approval. Staff told the commission glass block is not appropriate for the district and that the commission could support either replacement with an appropriate basement window from the approved windows list or removal of the glass block and a recessed infill (painted plywood or smooth painted fiber-cement with trim) to avoid creating precedent for new glass blocks.
Staff noted an administrative history: plywood coverings had earlier been approved in 2003 as a temporary measure to allow interior repairs; since that temporary approval the glass block unit had been installed without approval and code notices were issued earlier in the year. Staff recommended approval of COA2500068 in the Wilkes Historic District with conditions: the applicant must submit either a window schedule showing basement windows from the windows list or drawings and paint color for a wood infill.
Commission discussion clarified that glass block, which sits proud of the plane, would need to be removed and that a recessed framed plywood or fiber-cement infill emulating a window frame would be acceptable if the applicant prefers infill rather than new basement windows. The commission stressed that installing new glass block would set an unwanted precedent in the district.
A motion to approve the staff recommendation (either replacement windows from the windows list or a painted wood/fiber-cement infill) was made and seconded; the transcript records the motion, the second, and discussion indicating the commission's support for non-glass-block options. The staff recommendation cites City Code 3016.511 and related standards of alteration and window guidelines.
