Commission backs detailed window plan and design changes for Joseph Price House restoration

The West Whiteland Township Historical Commission on March 9, 2026 recommended ongoing restoration work on the Joseph Price House at 401 Clover Mill Rd., approving specific window styles and design adjustments by a 5-0 vote.

The vote, passed unanimously (Anderson/McCormick), follows a detailed review led by the township’s historic consultant, Carol Quigley, and discussion with applicant Justin Olear of Regal Builders. Quigley recommended 2-over-2 sash where appropriate and urged that several 3rd-floor openings be replaced with 8-over-2 windows to match historic proportions. "2 over 2 windows are appropriate wherever proposed without exception," Quigley said.

Why it matters: The house includes an 1894 addition and a mixture of later alterations; the commission framed its recommendations to better align new window work with the structure’s historic fabric and to reduce visible, modern infill on the rear elevation.

During the meeting Quigley identified concerns about sliding windows proposed for formerly open porches, describing sliders as "foreign to historic structures of this era." Applicant Justin Olear said he selected sliders because decorative brackets on the porch would make casement windows inoperable and he wanted ventilation: "[I chose sliders] because the decorative brackets ... make casements inoperable, and I want to be able to let air into this space," Olear said. Commissioner Joe McCormick called sliders "an acceptable compromise" for a room that will function as an office.

The commission endorsed keeping the flanking windows in the 3rd-floor gable where present and set several conditions in its recommendation: adopt the preferred 3rd-floor gable option on the front elevation; convert the 3rd-floor right-elevation windows to 8-over-2; approve the left elevation as presented; and revise proposed 2nd- and 3rd-floor rear-elevation windows to include the 3rd-floor 8-over-2 and more vertically proportioned openings on the second floor where feasible. The motion also directed that the styling, including casement windows on the first floor as proposed by Commissioner McCormick, be reviewed by the historic consultant and township staff for feasibility.

Quigley and Olear also supported Commissioner McCormick’s suggestion to add a pent eave under the second-story sill and use a string of windows to reduce a large siding field on the rear elevation and increase daylighting. Olear agreed to consult his structural engineer and provide a sketch of that proposed change, including the recommended 8-over-2 third-floor windows, for staff review. Quigley noted that Olear agreed to use Marvin Ultimate windows for the project and that exterior trim should be replaced in kind with composite materials rather than aluminum.

Next steps: The applicant will submit a sketch and additional details, including door materials and a revised garage site plan, for future staff and consultant review. The commission’s formal recommendation will serve as the basis for those subsequent submittals. The commission adjourned at 8:53 p.m.