Commission denies proposal to replace original wood windows with composite units at 822 Macomber Alley

The Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission voted on Oct. 9 to deny a request to replace original wood windows at 822 Macomber Alley with Andersen Series 100 Fibrex composite replacement windows.

Ben Bridal, the city’s historic preservation planning manager, told the commission that staff had recommended repairing the existing windows where possible rather than wholesale replacement. The applicant’s agent and neighbor, Anthony Demings, described the existing sashes as heavily painted, cracked and in some places unable to open, but said the homeowner preferred replacement on financial grounds.

"They're painted many, many, many times. They don't open at all," Anthony Demings said, explaining why the owner wants replacement rather than restoration.

Commissioners referenced the city’s design standards, which direct repair of original, character‑defining materials and note replacement only when materials cannot be repaired or are unavailable. Several commissioners expressed concern that allowing composite replacements would create a precedent that could erode district character. Commissioner Ashley Wilson moved to deny the request on the grounds that the application was inconsistent with the design standards; the motion carried.

The commission’s denial does not prohibit the owner from pursuing a qualified restoration or from returning with additional evidence documenting that repair is infeasible. Appeals of Commission decisions are made to the Wilmington Board of Adjustment and then to superior court, based on the record of proceedings.