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Part C: Bathroom window replacement The Price's propose to replace an original wood double hung window with a glass block window. The window is located on a wall located within the shower stall. A parted curtain provides some protection of the window from water, but mainly.it traps moisture and mildew on the windowsill and sashes. The bathroom does not have an electric fan that vents moist and humid air to the outdoors. The window weight system is broken and the window needs to be propped open, but currently it is not. The bathroom does not have any ventilation, which would be the primary way to solve the Price's moisture problems. They are planning to install an electric fan to vent to the exterior.. The Riverside Drive Historic District guidelines clearly state that original windows shall be retained, and that glass block windows are not appropriate to the district. Staff has inspected the window, suggested some carpenters who would be able to refurbish the wood window, and donated Abatron Wood Epoxy and Consolidant to the Price's. Fixing the window weight system with either new chains or cords would allow for an open window to increase ventilation in the bathroom. Staff has also recommended a different shower curtain configuration to better keep water from directly hitting the sill and sashes. Other historic house owners have used wooden boat paint to protect their wood windows. Please note that a glass block window will not increase bathroom ventilation, but it would absolutely stifle any chance a breeze would be able to enter the room. It seems possible that with the owners' current plan to install a fan, with a different curtain, and with refurbishing the window with Abatron, a new weight system, and a meticulous paint job, the wood window could be retained. As stated in the district's guidelines, glass block is not an appropriate building material or window type and should not be used.- It is my understanding that Bob Yapp had not consulted the historic district's guidelines before advising the owners' to use glass block (see owners' letter). Other historic house owners have removed previously installed bathroom glass block windows because they had shifted in the opening and cracked. Based on the district's guidelines, the glass block window is inappropriate and staff does not recommend approval of this portion of the application.