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Designer proposes thinner metal members to boost glazing; board debates aluminum vs. steel vs. wood
Summary
Designer said metal mullions shown at 3.5 inches can be reduced to 2 inches to increase glass area; board members argued steel or new wood doors would better match the building than an aluminum storefront, which several called unsuitable.
The project designer told the Historic Commission that the door frames shown on the plans could be refined to improve the glass-to-metal ratio. "The doors as drawn show 3.5 inch metal pieces, and he can get them down to 2 inch," the designer said, noting that narrower mullions would increase sidelights and allow more daylight into the space.
Board members debated trade-offs between materials: several said steel would be more authentic but carries cost and lead-time penalties, while aluminum was described as visually incompatible with the block's historic character. Several commissioners recommended either custom steel or simply rebuilding new wood doors in the historic style rather than accepting the proposed aluminum system.
