Historic Zoning Commission

Fourth and Gill H-1: Level II

6-K-13-HZ

Applicant Request

Level II. Replacement/repair

Replace 14 original, 2-over-1, double hung, sash weight type wood windows with same size, wood, sash replacement type, 7/8'' simulated-divided-lite (muntins on exterior as well as interior with spacer bar between) units manufactured by Marvin Window Co., or equal. Unit sizes are 36" x 66" thru 44" x 66". The existing sash thickness is 1-5/16" and the replacements will have the same sash thickness. The existing top rails are 2-3/8", bottom rails 3", & stiles1-7/8". The replacement sash units will be: top rails 2-15/16", bottom rails 3-3/4", & stiles 21/4". The existing exterior trim, interior trim & existing sills will remain in place. The existing interior lifts will be installed in the bottom sashes of the new replacement units. The existing cast iron sash weights, sash cords & pulleys will be removed & the weight cavities will be completely filled with insulation.

Site Info

Two- story frame with weatherboard wall covering. Hip roof with gabled front dormer, slate roof covering, finials. One- over -one double -hung windows with three diamond paned casement windows in dormer. One -story three-quarters front porch with balcony with balcony roof supported with curved sawn wood brackets and sawn wood balustrade. Front porch columns are paired and tripled square wood fluted posts on wood piers with inset panels, sawn wood balustrade, tongue- and- groove porch floor and beadboard ceiling. Interior offset brick chimney. Raised brick foundation. Rectangular plan. Diamond -paned leaded transom and sidelights and original full -view front entry door.

A recommendation to consider may be to replace the windows only on the rear and sides of the house. Also, if the windows are approved to be replaced, then the original windows should be retarined and stored away from dampness.

STAFF FINDINGS
1) The house was renovated in 1999, per the NPS Secretary's Standards as a Historic Tax Credit project.

2) As part of that renovation, 14 original double-hung window units were repaired and retained.

3) Although the sashes have been maintained in good condition, they have become warped, and therefore gaps have been created between the windows and the framing.

4) The windows surrounds contain channels for the weight and rope operation mechanism.

5) The house is located on the northeast end of the district, near Hall of Fame Drive & I-40 and its occupants are therefore subject to a certain amount of noise from traffic. There are many houses in the 4th and Gill neighborhood that are as close or closer to Hall of Fame Drive and I-40/75. Houses that are located within lower topography and below the sound wall along I-40/75 benefit from more sound attenuation.

6) Sound travels through cavities created by the the rope and weight channels and gaps more so than through glass panes; therefore, storm windows would not completely alleviate the sound problem. More sound attenuation could be achieved through filling or eliminating the channels. If this occurs, the original windows cannot be reinstalled as functioning windows.

4th AND GILL DESIGN GUIDELINES (applicable in their entirety)

WINDOWS

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

5. Windows should not be replaced with fixed thermal glazing or permitted to be inoperable. In many cases fixed or inoperable glazing violates code requirements for egress.

SECRETARY OF INTERIORS STANDARDS

6. Deteriorated architectural features shall be repaired rather than replaced, wherever possible. In the event replacement is necessary, the new materials should match the material being replaced in composition, design, color, texture, and other visual qualities.