The Madison Historic District Board of Review granted a certificate of appropriateness for two upper-story windows at 221 East Main Street after hearing from the applicant and a local window contractor about the condition of the existing units.

Applicant Austin Ketchum explained that the upper windows are severely deteriorated and that contractors who inspected the building recommended replacement. Clinton Tolbert of Glass Unlimited, who attended and identified his firm as a local window restoration specialist, told the board the company does restore historic windows frequently but that in this particular case the sash and jamb deterioration appeared to be advanced and replacement was advisable.

Board discussion emphasized the preservation preference for repair where feasible, but members also recognized the degree of rot and the applicant’s broader rehabilitation work on the building. Staff and board members suggested a product compromise that preserves street‑level character: the board approved replacement units with a wood exterior, a one-and-one-quarter-inch muntin profile and a 2-over-2 divided-light configuration so the overall appearance is consistent with the building’s historic character.

The decision includes a condition that the replacement windows match the approved muntin width and divided-light arrangement. Staff will issue a COA reflecting those specifications.