Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Georgetown council overturns HARC denial, approves replacement windows at 1103 S. Walnut
Loading...
Summary
After applicant testimony and public support, the council reversed a 4–3 HARC denial and approved a Certificate of Appropriateness allowing Fibrex composite windows for the street‑facing facade at 1103 S. Walnut; council also urged process improvements for consistent HARC decisions.
The Georgetown City Council voted unanimously to overturn a Historic and Architectural Review Commission (HARC) denial and grant a Certificate of Appropriateness for window replacements at 1103 S. Walnut.
Allison (planning staff) told council HARC denied the applicant’s request in a 4‑3 vote on the basis that “deteriorated building materials should be repaired rather than replaced.” The property is a medium‑priority structure in Old Town.
Applicant Jill Schneider urged reversal, saying she began the project to preserve the house and “I’m requesting that the council overturn HARC’s decision and approve my certificate of appropriateness so that I can complete my window project.” She told council she had already replaced 13 of 19 windows, said many original windows were inoperable and painted shut, and presented multiple bids showing full wood replacement would be far costlier than the composite option.
Jake Guy, a Renewal by Andersen representative, told council the Fibrex composite matches the look of wood and was developed to avoid rot in Texas climates: “It looks the same as a wood window” and is designed to retrofit into existing frames without damaging trim or siding, he said.
Several neighbors and preservation‑minded residents spoke in favor of the applicant. Patty Eason said the owner had been “willing to go through this to fight for her home,” and asked council to reverse HARC. Neighbor Gretchen Peterson Johnston described long family ties to Old Town and said modern replacement materials often provide needed durability. Peter Dana noted traffic and noise increases that make weatherproof replacement practical and urged approval. Scott Kalam called the installed windows an upgrade and warned against policies that might disincentivize investment in historic houses.
Council members who spoke during debate indicated concern about consistency from HARC but expressed support for this application. Amanda (councilmember) said she “absolutely support[s] moving forward with replacement of these windows” in this case and encouraged review of HARC processes; Parr (Councilwoman Parr) said HARC’s work is valuable but should not be a disincentive for appropriate, medium‑priority projects.
A council member moved to overturn HARC’s denial and approve the COA; the motion passed unanimously. The council’s action allows the property owner to complete the window replacements as presented, and several councilmembers asked staff and HARC to pursue clearer, more consistent guidance for future window cases.
What’s next: The council’s reversal is a final local approval for the COA; staff and HARC indicated they will review guidance on acceptable materials and processes going forward.
