April 1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS STAFF REPORT 2) Recommended - ... If new sash ... are used, the existing or original materials, design, and hardware should be used. When metal (and by inference vinyl) storm windows ... are used, they should be painted, anodized, or coated to match the existing. 3) Prohibited - Existing or original windows, doors, and hardware shall not be discarded when they can be restored, and re -used in place. New windows and door openings that would alter the scale and proportion of the building should not be introduced. RECOMMENDATION HPC Staff first became aware of this proposal when contacted by the contractor following the issuance of a stop work order by the Department of Buildings (DOB) for work without permits. At the time of our visit to the site all first floor windows had been removed, and replacement windows installed. Work remaining to be completed at that time included installation of trim aluminum and sealing by caulking. In the interest of the Owners, Staff discussed with DOB allowance of the completion of caulking. DOB allowed that this would be permissible as caulk application does not require permit. Due to the circumstances of this application HPC staff had no opportunity to inspect the original windows in place, but the removed sashes were available for inspection and did appear to be in generally poor condition. Similar widows remain at the second story where no work has been performed. Had Staff had the opportunity to inspect the windows before this work was performed, we might well have given some guidance at variance from the work performed. However, window repair was clearly in order and the installation of some replacement sash and storm windows would clearly have been called for. The new work though different in material does meet the bare minimum of character required as the new work reflects the original window sizes, 1/1 glass layout, and mode of operation, thereby maintaining the historic character to the casual observer. The application of aluminum over window trim facings is possibly detrimental to the wood to be covered as noted in the standards and its installation to a proper and permanent watertight condition would be further problematic without removal of the crown mould hoods. It is Staff's understanding that the Owners notified the Contractor of the Historic District and were assured that the Contractor was familiar with the permit requirements for such work and that this permit was included in the proposed work. Staff recommends approval of the replacement windows with the condition that the proper permits be purchased by the contractor. Staff recommends denial of the aluminum wrapping of the window trim facings. Staff further recommends that in this case the actual COA permit card riot be physically issued until the actual purchase of the building permit is verified and that the matter be referred to HPC legal counsel should the permit riot be purchased within 30 days of approval by the HPC. David B. Duvall 4/10/95