Prattville historic commission denies vinyl window replacement at 135 East Main Street

The City of Prattville Historic Preservation Commission voted to deny a request to replace the front-facing windows at 135 East Main Street, petitioned by Alfred and June Booth. The denial, made at the commission’s regular meeting, was prompted by staff objections to the use of vinyl for windows visible from the public right of way.

The applicant, Alfred Booth, told the commission he understood the city’s preference and said he expected the denial. “I wasn't aware at the time of the city's, not liking plastic windows. And I don't disagree with that,” Booth said. Booth said he would pursue wooden windows if the commission denied the current proposal.

Commission staff presented photos of the building and the proposed two-over-two replacement windows and recommended disapproval for the fronts because the replacement material was vinyl. “Staff disapproved just because the, of vinyl of what's being used,” City staff member Mr. McKinney said during the presentation. He also noted the rear windows — out of public view — would be handled administratively if made of the approved materials.

A commissioner added that the panel’s objection to vinyl is partly functional as well as aesthetic, saying vinyl “doesn't expand and contract like the wood does throughout the year, so you end up with … stuck windows and all that kind of stuff.” The applicant said he needed a formal denial to be released from the contract for the vinyl windows; he asked the commission to deny the petition so he could pursue wooden replacements instead.

The commission voted to deny the certificate of appropriateness for the proposed vinyl windows. The denial was moved and seconded on the record; the chair called for those in favor and indicated the vote was unanimous.

The commission and staff also discussed administrative alternatives: if the applicant returns with wood or wood-clad windows matching the commission’s guidance, staff indicated the change could be processed administratively or the commission could condition an approval so the applicant would not need to return. The applicant asked whether the application fee could be waived if he refiled; staff said administrative review could expedite a compliant submission.

The commission took no further action and closed the item.