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Applicant offers revised window and shutter plan; BAR signals conditional openness while appeal goes to council
Summary
Laura Phillips presented revised window and shutter designs aiming to address a prior denial for vinyl windows; staff reminded the board that the appeal goes before City Council on Aug. 13 and advised resubmission or withdrawal after the council decision. Board members indicated possible leniency for secondary elevations but emphasized visibility and material details.
Laura Phillips appeared before the Board of Architects on Aug. 1 for a conceptual review of proposed window and shutter modifications at 134 East Leicesters Street.
Phillips (identified in the agenda) said she wants to replace the contested windows with vertically divided sashes and to reposition and reinstall shutters to match original hardware. She said the proposals are intended to better resemble historic wood windows while keeping costs manageable for her family.
Eric Smith, regional director of operations for Window World, told the board the proposed product is a simulated-divided-lite sash with independent glass between muntins and that the frames can be painted to match original trim. Smith said the sash design has been approved elsewhere in comparable districts and described installation details, pocket returns and options to add a paintable trim.
Staff advised that the board had previously denied vinyl windows at this address and that the applicant has filed an appeal with City Council. That appeal is scheduled for Aug. 13; staff said the council has requested BAR members attend the council meeting for required consultation. Staff recommended a resubmission with wooden windows or otherwise clarified materials after the appeal is decided.
Board members were receptive to treating secondary elevations differently if visibility from the public right-of-way is minimal, and they suggested documenting visibility with photographs. One member noted existing evergreen screening reduces visibility on the side elevation and recommended the board consider that when reviewing any future application.
Next steps: Council will hear the appeal Aug. 13 at 6 p.m.; the applicant may withdraw and resubmit amended materials if she chooses. Staff will provide hard copies of the revised ordinance language at the next BAR meeting.
