The Augusta Historic Preservation Commission on Thursday approved a certificate of appropriateness for front‑yard retaining walls at 1218 Winter Street in the Somerville Historic District but deferred a decision on recently installed windows after finding the application lacked sufficient documentation.

Staff said much of the work at the property had already been carried out without prior HPC review. The applicant, Jacob Cady, told the commission he bought the house in 2024 and replaced windows he described as deteriorated; he supplied examples of similar windows in the neighborhood and said contractors made custom measurements. Preservation advisor Shane Claffey and several neighbors testified in support of Cady’s restoration work, describing the home as long neglected and saying the new work improved the block’s appearance. Other commissioners and staff raised concerns that the COA application did not include window specifications, section cuts, or evidence demonstrating that the original windows were irreparable.

After discussion, the commission split the decision: it approved the COA for the retaining walls (approval conditioned on obtaining proper building permits) and deferred action on the windows until the applicant submits manufacturer specification sheets, measurements or historic documentation to verify material and profile. The vote on the retaining walls carried with six in favor and one opposed.

What happens next: The applicant agreed to obtain spec sheets from the window manufacturer (identified in testimony as Manor/Maynard) and return the windows item to the commission for review. Staff will carry forward a second COA for the windows at the next meeting. The commission also reminded homeowners and contractors that larger alterations in historic districts typically require prior COA review and that permits remain necessary for code compliance.