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Commission debates and splits on Audubon Place window rehearings; one case deferred, one upheld
Summary
The commission reheard two Audubon Place cases for window work done without permits. At 3708 Audubon Place the commission deferred a decision to verify whether original windows were preserved; at 3711 the commission approved staff's recommendation that removed front elevation windows be reinstalled or matched with wood windows (denial/issuance of COR).
Two separate rehearings in Audubon Place dominated discussion at the Oct. 10 Houston Archaeological & Historical Commission meeting as members pressed staff and homeowners on how to balance historic standards with homeowner hardship and evidence of original materials.
For 3708 Audubon Place (item B), staff member Jason Lowenthal explained the windows were replaced on May 7 without a permit or Certificate of Appropriateness and that the applicant had applied to rectify the work. Owner Molly Harding said the window contractor had told her it would handle permits and that many of the upper windows were not original; she characterized the replacement as a response to safety and leak problems and said replacing the windows again would be a significant financial hardship. Commissioners probed whether the original sashes still exist — witnesses in the room said a contractor (Plum Alley) might have collected removed windows — and discussed whether photographs or Google Street View could confirm the historic light pattern. After debate, the commission deferred the matter to allow staff to determine whether original windows still exist and to give the owner an opportunity to gather additional documentation and options; the motion to defer carried.
At 3711 Audubon Place (a distinct address across the street), staff reported that original front elevation casement windows had been removed and recommended denial and issuance of a Certificate of Restoration (COR) requiring reinstallation of original wood windows or matching wood windows on the front elevation. Commissioners expressed frustration at repeat unauthorized replacements and debated whether to treat owners who had attended prior meetings differently than those who later requested rehearing. Ultimately the commission approved staff's recommendation to deny the after‑the‑fact application and issue a COR; the motion passed on a recorded voice vote.
Throughout both items commissioners emphasized outreach and practical remedies: they asked staff to check whether community window resources (repair shops and companies offering interior storm/inserts) might salvage original parts or provide lower‑cost alternatives. Commissioners also discussed whether the city or community could do more to inform homeowners and window contractors that historic districts require permits prior to replacement work.
Next steps: The 3708 rehearing will return to the commission after staff follows up on whether original windows exist or if repair/insert options are feasible. The 3711 decision will move forward as a denial with a COR condition requiring appropriate wood windows on the front elevation unless the owner obtains an approved alternative through the city's COA process.
