Board Upholds Denial of Vinyl Windows on Lafayette Square Carriage House

The St. Louis Preservation Board voted Oct. 27 to uphold the director—s denial of installed vinyl windows on a carriage house in the Lafayette Square local historic district. Staff and the neighborhood urged the board to uphold the denial, citing Lafayette Square standards that prohibit vinyl windows on street-visible elevations.

Staff presented photographs showing ten replacement windows (nine facing the street, one facing the alley) and advised that, under Lafayette Square rules, vinyl is not allowed for windows on any elevation. Staff also noted that visibility rules cannot be circumvented by landscaping and that the carriage house remains street visible in winter and when standing at the site.

The owner testified that the main house and carriage house rehabilitation has exceeded budget—he said the project was more than $300,000 over budget—and that many windows were unsalvageable. He said he planned plantings to screen the carriage house and offered to paint the vinyl to match the trim, but also argued that other vinyl windows exist in the neighborhood. Staff and commissioners emphasized that financial hardship and neighborhood precedent do not satisfy the district standard.

A motion to uphold the director—s denial was made and seconded; the board voted in favor. Roll-call votes recorded commissioners Ruth Kenoy, Anthony Robinson, Stanley Fowler, David Richardson, Kevin Namiger, Mike Killeen and Richard Gallop voting to uphold the denial. The board advised the owner on appeal options and next steps for compliance if he seeks to replace the windows with permitted materials.