Evansville preservation commission tables 615 Southeast Riverside window request, asks for specifications and historic research

Gail Cummings, representative for 615 Southeast Riverside, asked the Evansville Historic Preservation Commission to approve replacement of eight front windows with Renewal by Andersen—s Fibrex composite windows, saying the change would be "an affordable, efficient option" and would give the house a "uniform look." Cummings told the commission the house has 17 windows on the front elevation, nine of which are non-historic; she said two historic openings are currently boarded after storm damage.

Eric Varden of Renewal by Andersen described Fibrex as a composite of "40% Ponderosa Pine" and "60% proprietary polymers," said the product uses mortise-and-tenon corner construction, has narrower frame profiles than many vinyl replacements and is tested for longevity; he also said Fibrex windows are double-glazed and "more energy efficient than vinyl." Varden provided a sample to commissioners and described both insert and full-frame installation options.

Commissioners did not vote to approve the application. Instead they raised several documentation and design questions and asked the applicant and the vendor to return with specified materials. Commissioners requested: (1) clear historic-photo evidence showing whether the original front windows had divided lights or muntins, (2) dimensioned drawings showing the existing daylight openings and the proposed daylight openings so the commission can compare glass area, (3) trim and finish details that will be used around the replacement units, (4) a written specification from Renewal by Andersen describing the proposed unit (profile, installation method, whether muntins are simulated or true divided lights), and (5) a comparative cost estimate showing the total cost difference between the Fibrex replacement and a wood or wood-clad alternative.

Commissioner Richard said the commission should research the house—s architect (referred to in discussion as Harrison Schottfeld) to determine typical window specifications for the period and to guide decisions about muntins and profiles. Commissioner Hooper and others emphasized they were not opposed to substitute materials in every case but that any exception must be "narrowly tailored" and documented; one commissioner cited Preservation Brief 16 (use of substitute materials) as a framework for that review.

Cummings and Varden agreed they could provide dimensions and trim details by email; Varden said the company—s insert-method Fibrex windows typically reduce each side of the daylight opening by about "a thumb's width" (roughly 1 to 1.5 inches total per side for the larger units) and estimated a ballpark installed price for some of the larger units at about "$2,500 a window" for the Fibrex product. Varden also said some smaller, currently vinyl windows on the second floor would actually gain glass area with the Renewal by Andersen replacement.

The presiding officer moved to table the application to the March meeting so the applicant, Renewal by Andersen and the Historic Preservation Officer could supply the requested documentation and so commissioners Hooper and Richard could assist in compiling a list of specific information they need. The motion was seconded. Roll-call vote recorded: Commissioner Hayden, Aye; Commissioner Hooper, Aye; Commissioner Dixon, Aye; Commissioner Richard, Aye; presiding officer recorded the motion passed. The commission recorded the outcome as tabled to the March meeting and directed staff to circulate the commissioners— requested list of materials to the applicant and vendor.

Why it matters: The commission said it is willing to consider substitute materials in limited cases, but said approvals must be documented with dimensions, trim details and historically grounded evidence showing the replacement will be visually compatible with the front elevation. The applicant can supplement the record with the requested specifications and historic research before the March meeting.