Owner agrees to replace front windows with all‑wood sash after DRC guidance

At the March Design Review Committee meeting, Hank Gardner — owner of a circa‑1930 bungalow at 223 Franklin Road — sought guidance after installing replacement windows and receiving a stop‑work order. Staff reminded the committee that the guidelines require all‑wood windows on the historic portion of the building and allow either true divided light or simulated divided light (SDL), but not grill‑between‑glass (GBG) inserts.

Staff said the house’s historic side windows were 6‑over‑6 and that the front may historically have matched that pattern; commissioners favored returning to a 6‑over‑6 pattern on the majority of the house though some supported a 6‑over‑1 option if neighborhood evidence showed it was appropriate. Members emphasized restoring a 3–4 inch space mold between paired windows to reflect historic trim spacing. The committee also advised that the applicant may use aluminum‑clad windows on additions but should install all‑wood sash on the historic façade.

Gardner said he is willing to follow the committee’s recommendation and will bring neighborhood photographs and revised specifications (true divided light or SDL and a restored space mold) to the voting meeting. The DRC did not vote and will review the application again once the applicant submits the requested materials.