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fiat Park Avenue South Bend, IN 46616 October 14, 2009 To the Historic Preservation Commission: 1 would like permission to replace two basement windows with glass block for security° and water -tightness. When I spoke informally with Catherine I'lostetler about the ongoing foundation repair, she advised against this, and 1 understand why glass block is not historically congruent, but I think it is the best solution for the problem. The existing windows are very close to the ground in the alley and the house itself is, close to the allev. In one window, the most problematic, the middle lite of three had a crack and now has a hole,'I believe because a stone or rock from the alley was thrown against it. I've had problems with mice as a result. The frame is metal and has rusted, and I don't see how to replace the single pane. T he dimensions of the opening are 33"w x 14 "li; the frame is set in 2 �i" from the face of the brick, and its bottom is only 4" from the ground. There is often flooding in the alley, and there have been water problems along that north wall. A wooden frame sash would be liable to rot quickly. The opening is big enough that a person could fit through it if the glass were broken, so a single Trane does not seem advisable, and I would have to put a bar across it. It would also not make sense to build a window well so close to the alley; cars and SUVs come dangerously close to the shed and house as it is, and in winter vehicles slide around and get Stuck there. I would rather not have something closer to cars that could be damaged, although on the positive side it might slow a Skid. The second window, also on that side, has not deteriorated nearly as much, and in one of its three panes I have the dryer vent, so it is smaller and less attractive for entry into the house. les not urgent to replace, but eventually it would probably he good if it resembled the other window, On the south side I did replace a sash window with another sash, and I had a brick window well built to replace the old ribbed steel or aluminum one. The window was not a standard size and it cost $500, while the window well cost another $135. 1 don't see the need to follow that same practice for the two alley winclows. 1 have looked at many basement windows on lily neighborhood walks, and as far as I can tell, about half are glass block and half are sash windows. Over many single -paned titi=indol+-s people have placed plastic or glass }dates flush with the foundation wails, presumable= for safety from both people and water. I think these windows look worse than the glass block. i would try° to find small square glass blocks to use; these seem historically earlier and less obtrusive, but I have no exact knowledge. I have enclosed photographs of the (wo windows. .lam prepared to speak to the Commission if I need to. Thank you for your consideration. Cordially, !r / Karen Gindele