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Winchester Board of Architectural Review approves door, window and storefront applications; tables one complex project
Summary
On June 6 the Winchester Board of Architectural Review approved certificates of appropriateness for front doors at 120–122 E. Lechester, wood windows at 120–122 E. Manchester, side/rear windows at 444 N. Loudoun and storefront work at 603 S. Loudoun; one multi‑component application was tabled for further documentation.
The Winchester Board of Architectural Review voted June 6 to approve a set of certificates of appropriateness for alterations at multiple properties in the historic district and to table one application pending fuller documentation.
The board approved VAR 24‑316, permitting the replacement of metal front doors at 120 and 122 East Lechester Street with six‑panel wood doors, with a recommendation that the doors be stained rather than painted and that appropriate hardware be used. The applicant’s request was discussed by board members who noted that wood doors align with the board’s Chapter 3 residential rehabilitation guidelines. One member moved to approve the application and the motion passed on a voice vote.
The board also approved BAR 24‑411, asking the owner of 120 and 122 East Manchester Street to replace previously installed vinyl windows with wood windows. Members debated sash pattern and cost; staff and several members said the building’s historic character favored 2‑over‑2 sash, and the board approved wood 2‑over‑2 windows with simulated divided lights as a compromise to balance authenticity and budget constraints. Staff confirmed the applicant will receive a letter outlining the approval and may proceed when the building permit is issued.
A separate application, BAR 24‑399 for 444 North Loudoun, was approved to replace side and rear windows with Andersen 100/400 series Fibrex windows on limited‑visibility elevations; the board emphasized preserving the front facade’s original wood windows. The board approved BAR 24‑461, allowing White Properties to replace single‑pane storefront windows and modify the front entry at 603 South Loudoun with insulated aluminum framing that replicates the original configuration.
One complex application (BAR 24‑398) that included roof, gutter, porch rail, stucco repair and window work was tabled after staff and members said the packet lacked detail on elevations and materials and the applicant was not present. The board directed the applicant to appear with clearer specifications.
Board members and staff reiterated that approvals relate to elevations and materials described in applications and that work should not proceed until applicants receive written confirmation and the required building permits.
Votes at a glance • VAR 24‑316 (120–122 E. Lechester) — Approved; wood six‑panel doors recommended to be stained rather than painted. • BAR 24‑411 (120–122 E. Manchester) — Approved; wood 2‑over‑2 windows with simulated divided lights. • BAR 24‑398 — Tabled for lack of applicant presence and incomplete documentation. • BAR 24‑399 (444 N. Loudoun) — Approved for side/rear elevations (Andersen 100/400 series); front facade left unchanged. • BAR 24‑461 (603 S. Loudoun) — Approved as submitted for storefront windows and entry door.
The board confirmed that applicants will receive written notices of approvals and that issuance of building permits will be required before further work begins.
