Board conditions window replacements at 706 Miller Lane: full-frame for front, inserts allowed elsewhere

The Board of Architectural Review approved a window‑replacement plan for a townhome at 706 Miller Lane but imposed a condition intended to preserve the building’s front elevation. Owner Jennifer Smith sought insert replacements using Marvin Elevate products to save cost and minimize disruption; the board approved insert replacements for secondary elevations but required a full‑frame replacement on the front facade to preserve the historic appearance.

Smith said the insert approach would save approximately $15,000–$20,000 over full‑frame replacements and described the product as having a thin frame designed to maintain the original aesthetic. Board members acknowledged cost concerns but emphasized policy reasons for protecting the front elevation’s proportions; one member said the city changed policy to require board review of insert windows because some prior administrative approvals had led to aesthetic loss.

After discussion the board approved the application conditioned on full‑frame replacement for the front elevation and permitting insert replacements on the other elevations, and advised the owner and staff to explore a broader administrative approach if warranted for similar non‑historic homes in the district.