Commission recommends approval of chimney, door and window changes at 651 E. Boot Rd.

The West Whiteland Township Historical Commission recommended approval on March 9, 2026 for proposed exterior changes at 651 E. Boot Rd., a property owned by Christian and Johanna Didizian. The motion to recommend approval passed 3-0 (Martin/Embrey).

Property owners Christian and Johanna Didizian attended and described interior kitchen renovations accompanied by a few exterior changes. The work includes rebuilding one nonfunctioning chimney to match the existing working chimney with stucco, replacing a drafty rear door and sidelight with a new wood door and sidelight, and moving a first-floor 6-over-6 window to the right to be replaced with a triple-casement vinyl window on the rear facade. The property owners clarified that a prior reference to a bay window in their narrative was an error.

Historic consultant Carol Quigley said the chimney rebuild and a wood-door replacement are appropriate. She noted that while vinyl windows are not typically appropriate for historic structures, the house’s existing windows are vinyl, making the proposed window material consistent with existing conditions. Quigley also raised concerns about the proposed triple-casement window: "The triple casement window would not be appropriate in the front of the home," she said, and she expressed reservations about the rear elevation placement as well.

The commission’s formal recommendation adopted Quigley’s March 4, 2026 review as the basis for approval. No members of the public commented on the plan during the meeting.

Next steps: The commission’s recommendation will be recorded in the project file and future submittals (doors, trim, and other materials) will be reviewed by staff and the historic consultant as they are submitted.