Historical Commission OKs Smith College window replacement at Hopkins House

The Northampton Historical Commission on Monday approved a certificate of appropriateness for replacement of seven third-floor (attic) windows at Smith College's Hopkins House, 112 Elm St., Parcel 31B-247.

Angela Wong, architect and project manager at Smith College, told the commission the work would replace seven small windows installed around 2000 with awning-style insulated glass units to reduce water penetration and improve thermal performance. Wong said the proposed units will be aluminum-clad on the exterior, painted wood on the interior, have simulated divided lights (7/8-inch), and performance ratings of U-factor 0.30, solar heat gain coefficient 0.26 and visible light transmission 0.44.

The commission noted the existing windows are not original to the house and discussed which elevations are visible from public ways. Commissioners asked about materials, the visual effect of awning openings versus casements when windows are open, and how air-conditioning affects window use. Wong said some parts of the building have mini-split systems and portable units, and that occupants often leave the older casements open, which contributed to moisture damage.

Commissioners said the proposed replacements retain the window openings and muntin pattern while addressing durability and energy performance. Greg (commission member) moved to approve the certificate of appropriateness "for the windows as presented." The motion was seconded and carried; the recorded vote tally was not specified in the meeting transcript.

The commission's approval covers the seven small attic windows only; other windows on lower floors were discussed as having more significant historic features and were not part of this application. Smith College presented physical samples and elevations at the meeting; the exterior finish will remain white extruded aluminum-clad, and interiors will be painted wood.

The commission based its review on the local historic district design standards and the fact that the existing windows are later replacements and beyond practical repair, per the applicant's presentation. The certificate will be issued in accordance with section 1-95 of the Northampton Code governing local historic district certificates of appropriateness.

The commission also approved its Aug. 25 minutes earlier in the meeting.

Clarifying details: the application addresses seven windows on the Third Floor/attic; the existing units were replaced around 2000; proposed units are awning configuration (hinge at top), simulated divided lights, aluminum-clad exterior and painted wood interior; energy specs: U-factor 0.30, SHGC 0.26, VLT 0.44; parcel: 31B-247.

No further work on other elevations was approved in this action. The commission did not provide a roll-call tally in the public transcript.