713 West LaSalle Avenue_COA 2020-0224

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foundation walls, porch columns, beams and posts, siding, soffit, fascia, trim, and porch ceilings, replace porch wood tongue and groove floor, in-kind, and remove/replace topsoil. The application item is to modify the original rope/pulley counterbalance operating mechanisms of the original wood double hung windows throughout the house by installing new vinyl jamb liners on sides of jambs. Weight pockets will be filled with insulation. Sashes will likely need altered to glide in the new vinyl jamb liners. According to the Property Inspection report from the 2016 purchase of the house by current property owners, there are “broken window panes in 3rd floor window and kitchen, signs of weather at window framing, missing locking mechanism/weights at window in dining area, window will not stay open by itself, broken sash ropes in bath, cracked window pane in bathroom, window painted shut by basement steps.” Staff met with the owners on site on 3/5. Inspection of the windows in the lower unit revealed original wood windows to be in average condition and are repairable. Further considering the problem areas notified in the Property Inspection, these windows have experienced deferred maintenance but can be rehabilitated through paint removal, glazing, new paint, and re-roping weights. At 136 years aged, this entire window and its components can be repaired indefinitely. Staff has expressed concern for altering the original operating mechanisms to one that has a lifespan of 10-20 years without the ability to be repaired. The proposed alteration will cause the original operating mechanisms to be compromised, no longer having the ability to be repaired. It is unknown to staff how the jamb liners will alter the appearance of the windows, but the assumption is that it will be minimal. SITE VISIT REPORT: See Description of Proposed Project STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES, GROUP B: The Commission has the authority to determine the architectural merits and the extent of any proposed treatment, renovation, or addition to a historic landmark. The commission will requir e drawings, plans, specifications, and/or samples where appropriate. A.Maintenance The maintenance of any historical structure or site shall in no way involve any direct physical change except for the general cleaning and upkeep of the landmark. The Commission shall encourage the proper maintenance of all structure or sites. B.Treatment Treatment shall be defined as any change of surface materials that will not alter the style or original form. Such improvements include re-roofing, glazing, or landscaping lawns and may involve a change that can potentially enhance or detract from the character of the landmark. A treatment change of any surface whether on the landmark or in its environment may require a Certificate of Appropriateness if it significantly alters the appearance of the landmark. Although these kinds of changes may not require a Building Permit, a Certificate of Appropriateness may be necessary. The commission should review the proposed treatment for character and style consistency with the original surfaces. C.Renovation and Additions Renovation is the modification of a structure, which does not alter the general massing while an addition, is a change in mass. A modification, which involves the removal of a part of the landmark, should be considered under demolition (see demolition). Additions to landmarks should not detract from the original form and unity of the landmark and should not cover singular examples of architectural detail. Additions to landmarks should be added in a manner that does not disrupt the visible unity of overall appearance of the site. The proportions, materials and ratios of the existing structures should be carried through in the additions. Care should be taken not to change or alter the following: 1.Structure—–Necessary structural improvements, where safety demands should be accomplished in such a way as to cause minimal visual change to the original style and construction. 2.Material—Additions and improvements involving any new material in the landmark should be of the same material as the original. It should be the same size and texture. An alternative material may be allowed if it duplicates the original. a. wood—all wood trim should conform with existing trim in shape and size.