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Commission denies window‑replacement plan after finding prior removals violated guidelines
Summary
The Historic Preservation Commission on Jan. 22 denied COA 2579 for window replacements at 702 W. Kirkwood, citing removal of original windows, nonconforming replacements and a failure to submit appropriate plans before work; vote was 6–0.
The Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission voted 6–0 on Jan. 22 to deny COA 2579, a proposal to replace front windows at 702 West Kirkwood in the Near Westside Historic District.
Staff recounted that in 2025 the property owner removed four wood double‑hung windows and replaced them with divided‑light vinyl windows topped by transoms; the city issued a notice of violation and the owner later paid a fine. The current application proposed 1‑over‑1 GenWeld windows and covering transoms with trim and siding. Staff and several commissioners said the proposed windows were smaller and of different proportion than the originals and that one transom had already been covered without approval.
Commissioner Jack Baker asked how the proposal restored the original design; staff and other commissioners noted available modern windows can match historic proportions but the submitted plan did not demonstrate that. The petitioner, Jennifer Milner, said work was done on poor‑condition windows and that the replacement approach was intended to address rot and heating costs; she said she would try to reinstall windows like the originals.
Commissioners advised the petitioner to submit plans ahead of making changes, to match the original window openings and trim, and to consult staff before reinstallation. A motion to deny COA 2579 carried 6–0; staff told the petitioner what would be required for future approval.
