Historic Zoning Commission

Old North Knoxville H-1: Level II

3-J-12-HZ

Applicant Request

Level II. Replacement/repair

Most of the original windows were destroyed by fire, so they were not repairable. Applicant has added wood 1-over-1 into the openings. Survey description on file indicates the original windows were 9-over-1 light.

Site Info

One and one-half story frame with weatherboard wall covering. Side gale roof, shed dormer, asphalt shingle covering, exposed rafters, modified by rear additions. Double hung nine-over-one windows, nine-light casements in dormer. One-story recessed full front porch with square wood columns with Doric capitals, sawn wood balustrade. Exterior end brick chimney. Brick foundation. Irregular plan. Two front entries with eight- light sidelights.

Most of the original windows were destroyed by fire, so they were not repairable. Records from 6/15/2011 application indicate approval of: "replacement of windows on the ground floor, north and south elevations with new wood painted double-hung windows matching the existing muntins on the upper sashes; replace the fixed window on the rear elevation in-kind."

The owner has restored the front door and sidelight windows and the shed dormer windows which are character-defining.

4th and Gill Design Guidelines for Windows:

Windows are a very important architectural element of Fourth and Gill's buildings, helping to define each building's character. They are usually wooden and are hung so that both the bottom and the top sash can open (double-hung). Two over two or one over one sashes are common, but there are also windows with more panes, and there are attic windows and some upper sashes with stained glass and irregular shapes. . . 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. This survey should include a consideration of their value in the overall architectural design of the building.

Recommendations:
Rehabilitation and New Construction
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.




Sec'y of the Interior 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 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.