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Owner proposes 11-unit conversion at 284 West Market; board presses to restore steel front windows
Summary
Owner Seth Predix proposed converting 284 West Market into 11 apartments; the York City review board approved the plan with conditions that the historic front steel windows be restored where feasible and that replacement windows closely replicate the original appearance.
Owner Seth Predix told the York City Historical Architectural Review Board on June 25 that he has plans to convert 284 West Market Street into 11 apartments and to enclose a rear section to add living space.
"I have it drawn up to put 11 apartments in it," Predix said during his presentation, explaining he wants units that attract "empty nesters, young professionals" and provide operable windows for fresh air.
Board members focused most of their comments on the building’s front windows, which are three pairs of 12-light steel windows on the second-story Market Street façade. Members said the first preference is to restore the original steel windows and fit them with interior storm windows to improve energy efficiency. If restoration is not possible, the board approved replacements that closely replicate the look: metal-clad wood, thermally broken steel, or aluminum-clad units with simulated divided lights (grills on the outside).
A board member summarized the preference: "First preference is that the steel windows be restored and they could be fitted with interior storm windows. Second would be that we allow a suitable 12 light replacement with simulated divided lights ... that those materials could be metal clad wood, aluminum or thermally broken steel windows that replicate the look of the historic windows as close as possible." The board also noted that rear/alley-facing openings are less prominent and that vinyl windows are typically acceptable in those locations.
Members raised practical code questions about egress and sprinklers: restoration could be acceptable if the building is sprinklered; otherwise bedrooms might require egress windows. Staff advised Predix to have a pre-development meeting and coordinate with code reviewers and the fire department to confirm requirements.
The board approved the application with conditions requiring the applicant to work with staff and the consultant on window details and to attempt restoration where feasible. Staff follow-up tasks include confirming whether egress windows or sprinklering will affect window configuration before final permit issuance.
