Historic Zoning Commission

Fourth and Gill H-1: Level II

10-H-13-HZ

Applicant Request

Level II. Replacement/repair

Replace three semi-original 1/1 wood window sashes in front-bay section. The sills, frames and trim are to be repaired in kind. The windows will be thermal-paned and the routing style of the sashes is proposed to be similar to existing. The smaller upper sash size is to be retained so as to maintain the "cottage style" of window.

Site Info

One-story frame with asbestos shingle wall covering . Hip roof with gabled front dormer with imbricated shingles, diamond-paned window in smaller dormer and octagonal sections to one side. One-over-one double-hung windows. One-story two-thirds front porch with shed roof, wood posts on brick piers, brick balustrade. Brick foundation. Irregular plan.

1) The three windows in front bay located on the front the left appear are deteriorated, but components can be repaired; however, they have been heavily puttied as shown in the photo of window #3 (the worst of the three). There is an effective process to remove putty from window frames which would allow re-use of the windows.

2) Some of the window sash members have disintegrated and are misshapen to the point that it is not feasible to repair them as shown in photo of window #1.

3) On window #2, the top rail of the bottom sash is not original and doesn't align with bottom of the top sash, as shown in photo.

4) The middlewindow on the bay has a non-original board attached to the bottom of the top sash which doesn't allow it to line up with the bottom sash, close or lock correctly.

5) The right-hand window (#3) on the bay is not as deteriorated as the other two and the putty could be removed. However, the applicant states that although this window could be repaired, it would not match the other two which need to be replaced..

6) The design guidelines state that original windows should be reused; however, the guidelines provide the alternative of closely matching when the windows are serverely deteriorated.

7) Since the windows are to be 1/1 to match existing, the double pane will not be as obvious as with windows with muntins.

8) There is some deterioration to the sills, trim, and frames, but these components are repairable.


FOURTH & GILL NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN GUIDELINES (The Design Guidelines apply in their entirety.)
Windows are a very important architectural element of Fourth and Gill's buildings, helping to define each building's character. . . Windows are often a prime target of rehabilitation projects. In order to judge the necessity of replacing windows, a careful survey should be made of the windows and their condition.

Window Recommendations: Rehabilitation and New Construction
1. Vinyl and aluminum replacement windows should not be used.

2. Any original windows should be reused. It will be much less expensive and much better historically to retain the windows.

4. If replacement windows are necessary, they should be the same overall size as the originals, with the same pane division, and the same muntin style and exterior depth, width and profile.

SECRETARY OF INTERIOR'S STANDARDS
6. Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature shall match the old design, color, texture, and other visual qualities and, where possible, materials. Replacement or missing features shall be substantiated by documentary, physical or pictorial evidence.