Historic commission postpones decision on composite windows at 1318 Armstrong

The Knoxville Historic Zoning Commission on Aug. 20 postponed action on a certificate of appropriateness for 1318 Armstrong Avenue after the applicant asked for more time to present material samples. Staff had recommended approving Pella-brand wood double-hung windows that match the originals in material and pane division, while the applicant proposed Renewal by Andersen’s Fibrex composite as an alternative.

Applicant Drew Barry told the commission he had “done a lot of extensive research into substitute engineered materials” and asked what specific guideline made Fibrex incompatible, noting that “other substitute engineered material was approved previously.” Neighborhood representative Sean Boland said the Old North committee’s guidelines generally allow only wood full‑vision windows but that the neighborhood would be willing to review a physical sample: “If a sample could be brought in, for us to see and that then that could possibly be an option.”

Staff and several commissioners emphasized the distinction between replacement of original historic windows and new additions, noting prior approvals of composite or aluminum‑clad windows on non‑historic or new construction elements. Because the applicant preferred a postponement to allow neighborhood review of the sample, a commissioner moved to postpone; the motion carried on a voice vote. The commission asked staff to connect the applicant with neighborhood contacts before the next meeting, currently scheduled for Sept. 17.