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Fort Myers preservation panel approves Casa Rio window and door replacement with conditions
Summary
The Historic Preservation Commission approved replacement of windows and doors at Casa Rio (2424 McGregor Blvd), a 1926 National Register landmark, with custom PGT aluminum impact products but required the new units to match the existing window size and profile and to include exterior three-dimensional muntins; staff will confirm final shop drawings and installation.
The City of Fort Myers Historic Preservation Commission on Thursday approved a certificate of review allowing the owner of Casa Rio at 2424 McGregor Boulevard to replace the home’s existing single-pane wood windows and doors with custom PGT WindGuard aluminum impact windows and doors, but added conditions aimed at preserving the building’s historic appearance.
Planning manager Nicole Devon told commissioners that Casa Rio, a 1926 landmark on the National Register of Historic Places, is eligible for review under Land Development Code §114-72(a)(3) and Secretary of the Interior standards. Staff recommended approval provided the replacements are installed as described in the application, that all single-hung windows have exterior-applied muntins with a three-dimensional profile, and that permits be obtained before construction.
Owner John Carbone, who said he has owned the property since 2000, presented a PGT WindGuard sample and argued the change balances preservation with family safety and energy efficiency. “We have spent $1,000,000 on this house and restoration,” Carbone said, noting prior PGT work on the property and the manufacturer’s hurricane performance. He also raised concerns about lead paint in original wood windows and said a full restoration could cost roughly half a million dollars.
Local restoration contractor Raymond Allen urged the commission to require preservation best practices, saying aluminum replacements frequently fail to replicate the look and workmanship of original double-hung wood windows. “It always looks way different, and it basically takes away a large amount of the character of the building,” Allen said.
Commission discussion focused on how closely custom-made units will replicate existing features. Commissioners pressed for frame profiles, shop drawings and clear details showing how muntins/mullions would be applied. Staff and the applicant explained that because the windows are fully custom, shop drawings are produced after an order is placed, a practical constraint that complicates providing full shop drawings before approval.
To resolve the uncertainty, Commissioner Walker moved to approve the certificate with staff recommendations (1–6) and add a condition requiring that the custom windows match the existing window size and profile; the motion also required that Planning staff (Nicole Devon) confirm final details before permits issue. The motion, seconded by Mr. Eck, carried.
The approval becomes effective immediately and is valid for two years unless an active building permit is in place. The conditions require that muntins be applied to the exterior with a three-dimensional profile and that permits be obtained prior to construction. Staff will review final shop drawings and confirm compliance prior to installation.
The commission’s action attempts to balance the property owner’s safety and energy concerns with preservation principles for a locally significant and nationally listed structure. The owner may proceed to order custom units once required confirmations and permits are complete.
