Historic Zoning Commission

Fourth and Gill H-1: Level II

2-B-12-HZ

Applicant Request

Level II. Replacement/repair

1) The goal of the work proposal is to have all 28 windows in the house match existing more recently installed one-over-ones so that the windows are not mismatched. There are 18 one-over-one wood windows in the house with 10 more recently installed in 2005-2006. A total of 6 of the18 one-over-ones are early, but don't appear to be original, and are painted shut and somewhat deteriorated. There are 10 2-over-2 windows that appear to be original, but are rotting, warped, and ill-fitting. The request is for all early/original windows (6 one-over-ones and 10 two-over-twos), to be replaced with new double-insulated one-over-one wood windows.

2) Mount a second floor fascia board (strap) across the front gable to match the existing fascia board on the house, and replace the existing fiber cement board and Masonite siding in the front gable with cedar shake or shingles. Additionally, replace the siding in the upper section of the west-side front addition just below the roof with the same type of shakes or shingles.

3) Reconstruct front entrance to add a sidelight on the east (right) side of the door to match the existing one on the west (left) side if it is supported by physical evidence or photo-documentation.

Site Info

Two-story frame duplex with weatherboard wall covering. Cross-gable roof with asphalt shingle roof covering, diamond- shaped sawn wood attic vents. Two- over- two double-hung windows. One- story front and side wrap around porch with round wood columns with Ionic capitals, sawn wood balustrade and engaged pilasters, bead board ceiling. Two brick chimneys, one interior central and one interior offset side. Brick foundation. Irregular plan. Transoms over front entries.

The front- and SE-facing 2-over-2 windows (totalling 4) on the upper level appear to be original or early and are located on a character-defining façade that is visible from the right-of-way. The applicant asserts that that all the windows except those more recently installed are deteriorated or painted closed. Staff recommends they be replaced with wood 2-over-2 simulated divided light windows (with shadow bars) to match existing as much as possible. Although both 1-over-1s and 2-over-2s were utilized on houses during this era, the 2-over-2 lights lend character to the front façade of this house. The other 2-over-2windows on the west side and back of house are not as prominent and appear to be later windows.

No physical evidence or photo-documentation has been discovered to support that a horizontal fascia board and shingles originally existing in the front gable of house; therefore, staff cannot recommend approval for their installation at the time of this report. However, masonite siding is present in the gable which could indicate modification at some point in the past. Approved COAs for repair of siding are on file for '01, '05, and '11.

There are numerous examples of shingled front gables on houses throughout all the historic districts. However, through file perusal and a windshield survey, a total of30 examples of weatherboarded front gables without a frieze board have been indentified on similar-era houses in the 4th and Gill District, including the house to the adjacent east of the subject property. The presence of this type of treatment throughout the district provides some degree of evidence that the gable treatment on the subject house is not incorrect. Five of the houses surveyed had similar attic vents in the gable and several exhibited two off-center windows below the gable.

No physical evidence or photo-documentation has been discovered for a sidelight originally existing on the east (right) side of the door; therefore, staff cannot recommend approval at the time of this report. However, there are numerous examples of entry doors flanked by sidelights on both sides throughout the district. Additionally, there is evidence that the door and trim have been modified in the recent past.

Staff's recommendation is based on the Secretary of Interior Standards and Design Guidelines below:

Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabiltation:

3. Each property shall be recognized as a physical record of its time, place and use. Changes that create a
false sense of historical development, such as adding conjectural features or architectural elements from other buildings, shall not be undertaken.

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 in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities and, where possible, materials. Replacement of missing features shall be substantiated by documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence.

4th and Gill Design Guidelines:

Window Design Guidelines, p. 11

1. Vinyl and aluminum replacement windows should not be used.
2. Original windows should be reused. It will be much less expensive and much better historically to retain the original windows.
3. Storm windows are often considered when a homeowner wants to increase the heating and cooling efficiency of a building. Interior storm windows that cannot be seen from the street might be a better alternative. If exterior storm windows are used, the windows can be wood, or color clad metal to match the building's trim. Exterior storm windows and security windows should not be used if they damage or obscure the original windows and frames.
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. False muntins or grids should not be used.

Roofing Design Guidelines, p. 10 (re: front gable fascia and trim detail)

1. . . .Replacement roofs should copy the shape and pitch of original roofs, and the soffit, fascia and trim detail between roof and wall should mimic the original.

Entrance Design Guidelines, p. 13

2. It may be appropriate to design or construct a new entrance if the historic one is missing. Any restoration should be based on historical, pictorial and physical documentation and should be compatible with the historic character of the building and with adjacent buildings. It should not create a false historic appearance.