Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Santa Monica Windows topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Landmark board approves extensive window work for Santa Monica Parish Hall despite staff objection to aluminum cladding
Summary
The Landmark Board approved a multi-part window repair and replacement plan at 217 San Agustin Avenue (Santa Monica Parish Hall), including replacing 60 windows and restoring 14 frames; staff recommended against adding aluminum cladding for 46 frames but the board voted to approve the full package as presented.
The City of Laredo Historic District Landmark Board voted to approve a package of window repairs and replacements for the Santa Monica Parish Hall (217 San Agustin Avenue) submitted by the Diocese of Laredo.
Staff presented a four-part scope: replace 60 windows with insulated units; repair and restore 14 window frames using reclaimed longleaf pine (per material testing); salvage and replace 46 window frames using clear ponderosa pine; and add aluminum cladding to 46 window frames to protect the wood (with the cladding painted to match historic colors). Staff supported items 1–3 but stated it did not support item 4 (aluminum cladding), describing cladding as a nonhistoric, potentially irreversible treatment inconsistent with the Secretary of the Interior standards and the city’s historic urban design guidelines.
Architect Teresa Fonseca, who has worked on the building and served as the facilities manager for the Diocese of Laredo, told the board many third-floor windows are in advanced decay and glass has fallen into the street in the past. Fonseca said the project team prioritized life-safety and durability and that the proposed aluminum-clad wood windows were chosen to protect the underlying wood while matching existing sightlines. “We’re trying to protect life safety and welfare, by using a product that is more durable on the situation, especially because it’s on the 3rd Floor,” Fonseca said.
Board members asked whether the Secretary of the Interior standards allow exceptions when public safety is at risk; staff said health and safety are important factors but reiterated that cladding is not recommended in the adopted guidelines. Fonseca said the project had been submitted to the Texas Historical Commission for review and that agency had requested additional documentation to confirm which windows were beyond repair.
After discussion, the board moved, closed the public hearing and voted to approve the package as presented (items 1–4). The record notes staff’s continued opposition to item 4 even as the board approved it.
Next steps: the applicant will proceed with permit applications and provide required documentation to the Texas Historical Commission and city staff as needed.
