Library plans storm windows to protect historic sashes; HDC presses for factory‑matched finish

The Concord Free Public Library’s preservation effort to install storm windows drew robust discussion on Feb. 4 as commissioners weighed preservation, visibility, and cost.

Jeff Adams representing the library corporation summarized the program to protect aging historic sashes and improve building energy performance. He said vendors generally supply storm windows in a small set of factory colors and that a vendor estimate to custom‑paint units to match the building’s creamy trim was returned the day of the meeting at roughly $8,000–$10,000. “If we were to try to custom paint them to the exact color…we should expect that cost to be $8 to $10,000,” Adams said.

Commissioners agreed that on a landmark, highly visible facade the contrast of bright white factory finishes against creamy historic trim would be noticeable and urged matching color where feasible. Several commissioners recommended factory prefinishing to ensure durability; others discussed the logistics and expense of painting after installation and cautioned that post‑installation hand painting can create maintenance issues. One contractor on the call said aluminum frames can be painted after installation but that factory finishing is more durable.

The commission left the project subject to administrative approval contingent on demonstrating a matching finish (factory‑painted where possible) and encouraged the library corporation to pursue grant or donor funding to cover custom finishing costs. The library said it will proceed with installation planning and fundraising with the expectation of spring installation if funding and approvals are secured.

Next steps: library to seek matching factory finishes where feasible, pursue funding for custom prefinishing if required, and proceed with administrative approval processes.