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Board presses applicant over proposed vinyl window replacements on East Washington Street
Summary
Board members said the COA application to replace multiple windows at 524 and 526 East Washington Street lacked required manufacturer specs and that vinyl windows would conflict with design review standards; members urged the applicant to return with detailed specifications or pursue sash replacement or approved wood-window options.
The board reviewed COA 2024-25 for window replacements on a contributing historic structure at 524 and 526 East Washington Street and expressed strong reservations about the applicant's description of "vinyl windows with a wood frame." Committee members said the application lacked manufacturer specifications, clear photographs, and details about muntin/grill construction, making it impossible to determine compliance with design review standards.
"But, but 1 thing I don't think we want, especially on a beautiful house like this, is vinyl windows," a committee member said, arguing that the board's longstanding guidance favors wood sash or sash-replacement options that preserve historic character. Planning staff located a spec sheet in the application file (an "Endure" model listed in the packet), but members said the packet information was too thin to confirm whether the product meets the review standards.
Board members discussed alternatives: approving full wood sash replacements from approved manufacturers (Andersen, Marvin, Pella were cited as examples), approving sash-replacement kits if original frames were sound, or asking the applicant to return with manufacturer cut sheets and clearer elevations and photos. The group estimated the project affects roughly 16–18 window openings and concluded the board should give the applicant guidance and an opportunity to revise the submission before taking final action.
The board did not vote to approve the window COA at this meeting; instead staff were directed to provide resources and the applicant was encouraged to provide more detailed specifications for the board's next review.
