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Commission allows alternatives to glass‑block basement windows at South Champion property, requires window schedule or painted wood infill
Summary
The commission approved an application at 605–607 South Champion Ave that disallows new glass block as permanent treatment and requires either approved basement windows from the windows list or painted wood/fiber‑cement infill with trim; applicant must submit window schedule or infill drawings to staff.
The commission approved an outcome for basement‑level openings at 605–607 South Champion Avenue that prevents newly installed glass block from setting a precedent in the historic district.
Staff told the commission that plywood had been approved previously as a temporary measure and that glass block had been installed without approval at some point. To avoid establishing a precedent for glass block, staff recommended approval only with conditions: the applicant may either install basement windows chosen from the HRC improved windows list (with a window schedule submitted to staff) or infill the openings with smooth, painted fiber‑cement panels and trim or painted exterior‑grade plywood as shown in the submittal. Staff cited City Code 3.016.5.11 (standards for alteration) and HRC window guidelines.
The commission discussed security concerns; an applicant representative said security was a motivator for the prior plywood and glass block installations. Commissioners said plywood infill recessed slightly to emulate a framed window would be acceptable as an interim or permanent treatment if the applicant submits drawings and color samples to staff.
Conditions and next steps - Applicant must submit either a window schedule showing units from the improved windows list or drawings and paint color for a wood or fiber‑cement infill to staff. - The commission explicitly stated that glass block is not an acceptable permanent treatment in this location and should be removed. - Staff will review the submittals for compliance with HRC guidelines.
