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Historic preservation panel approves like‑for‑like window and door replacement at 216 Spruce
Summary
The Steamboat Springs Historic Preservation Commission unanimously approved application SPRWD 26089 on July 13, 2026, allowing the owner of the Remington House at 216 Spruce Street to replace 10 non‑historic windows and an upper‑level sliding door with like‑for‑like materials, after staff confirmed the 1980s replacements are non‑historic and that Standards 6, 9 and 10 are met.
The Steamboat Springs Historic Preservation Commission on July 13 approved application SPRWD 26089 to allow the replacement of 10 windows and one upper‑level sliding door at the Remington House, 216 Spruce Street. The owner, Donna Steele, told the commission she bought the house in 2000 and had it designated in 2008.
Caitlin Barby Smith, staff, presented the application and said the windows now being replaced were previously changed in the 1980s and are therefore non‑historic. She described the proposal as a like‑for‑like replacement: metal‑clad (dark bronze) exteriors with wood interiors, double‑hung units sized to match current openings. Barby Smith also reviewed the building’s significance and said the house is associated with Lester Remington, a local early resident tied to the community’s agricultural history.
“My name is Donna Steele. 216 Spruce Street… I bought the house on Spruce Street in 2000, and I believe I had it designated in 2008,” Steele said, and described the condition of the existing windows: “some of them are literally duct taped in the end.” Steele said the new windows would look the same from the street and that she planned to retain wood interior finishes.
Commissioners asked for and received confirmation from staff that the replacement meets the applicable preservation guidelines. Chair Katie Adams and staff identified Standards 6, 9 and 10 as relevant and said the proposal would not destroy other historic features and would be sympathetic to the property’s character.
After a brief, favorable discussion the commission moved to approve SPRWD 26089 for 216 Spruce Street with no conditions of approval. The motion passed on an affirmative vote.
Staff later suggested the commission consider administrative review pathways for future truly like‑for‑like, non‑historic replacements to reduce workload as the register of historic resources grows; commissioners responded that is worth considering during upcoming code revisions.
The commission’s approval allows the owner to proceed with the planned window and door replacements; staff will follow up on permit and installation details.
