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STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFIATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Application Number: 2002-0904 Property Location: 904 Arch Avenue. Property Owner: Terri & Steve Zornig Designation: Local Historic District — Edgewater Place Rating: Contributing - 9 HISTORY This house was designed by a Whitcomb & Keller architect in 1902, and built as part of that company's real estate ventures. In 1923 it was purchased by Fern & William Ponader, the Secretary & Treasurer for the Suburban Development Corporation, later President of Maple Lane Realty. In 1944, through their realty company, they sold to Margaret & Frank G. Swonk. Mr. Swonk lived there until his death in 1957, and then Margaret liver there alone until 1960, when Mrs, Francis Bender came to live with her. Margaret Swonk either died or moved in 1961, but Mrs. Bender continued to live there, possibly until about 1980. In 1980, the City Directory shows her no longer there, and Mr. James Mahler living there. Later, Jeff Beers and Donna Schlarb purchased the house, and lived there until 1994, when they sold it. I am not sure whether they sold it to the present owners, or whether there was another owner in between. In 1990, Ron Farr received a C of A to install 5" cream colored vinyl siding, and to cover all fascias, soffits, and window trim with brown aluminum trim matching the original in size and exposure. Computer records are summary records and do not show the reason for this deviation from guidelines, but I believe it was because the house had already been covered with artificial siding prior to the district being designated historic. In May of 1991, Jeff Beers received a C of A to re roof the house, and to re -construct the rear entry porch, and to replace the gravel driveway with poured concrete. Also, he received a C of A to grind down the stumps of dead trees, and to replant dying lilac bushes. RECOMMENDATION The owners seek to remove their original wood window sashes and replace them with aluminum -clad window sashes. On the outside, the windows look so good that at first we were puzzled as to the motive for replacing them. However, the owner believes there would be energy and comfort efficiencies. The character defining elements on this home are the regularity and balance of its proportions, and its large, sunny windows. The proposed replacement windows are Marvin windows. Some of the windows in the documentation accompanying the application have the same six -over -one light divisions that the existing windows have. Staff recommends approving this Application for window sash replacement as described in the Application, with the following additional conditions: a) That the replacement sashes or windows retain the same exterior dimensions and appearance as the original windows, so that the excellent proportions of the house are preserved. In other words, we don't want a double window jamb that results in a noticeably smaller window glass. b) That the new sashes have the same six over one light divisions as the existing windows.