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DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: The homeowner has engaged Hershberger Masonry to replace the two single pane basement windows with new glass block windows. The • windows proximity to the alley raises concerns of damage due to vehicle traffic, rocks through the windows, water flooding, and people breaking in. Homeowner advises that she will try to find small, square blocks as she believes they will be more sympathetic to the historic nature of the house. STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: 11. EXISTING STRUCTURES C. WINDOWS AND DOORS Window and door frames are in most cases wood and vary depending upon the style of the home. Many are double hung windows with wood trim and sills. Brick structures have stone sills and brick lintels. In some cases where aluminum siding has been applied, the window and door trim has been covered. About half of the structures in the district have aluminum storm windows; the other half has wood storm windows. Required Original windows and doors shall be retained including sashes, lintels, sills, shutters, decorative glass, pediments, hoods and hardware. When deteriorated beyond repair, they shall be replaced with units and trim resembling the original. Recommended Wood storm windows and doors painted or finished to match the original should be used but should not damage existing frames. If new sashes or doors are installed, the existing or original materials, design and hardware should be used. When metal storm doors are used, they should be painted, anodized or coated to match the existing. When awnings are used, they should be of canvas material. Prohibited • Original doors, windows and hardware shall not be discarded when they can be restored and reused in place. New window and door openings, which would alter the scale and proportion of the building, may not be introduced. Inappropriate new window and door features such as metal, vinyl or fiberglass awnings, hoods or aluminum insulating glass combinations that require removal of original windows and doors, shall not be installed. Not Recommended Fake shutters that would detract from the existing character or appearance of the building should not be used. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the replacement of the existing basement windows with glass block. Existing windows are deteriorated and given the proximity to the alley where the windows undergo regular abuse due to vehicle traffic and water problems, in-kind replacement may not be the most feasible option as they too may deteriorate at an accelerated rate. Furthermore, if replaced with an in-kind single pane window, the homeowner has stated the need to install bars over the window for added protection, which would obstruct the window details. The two glass block windows will not be directly visible from the street, only from the alley and seem to offer the appropriate precautionary features that the homeowner is looking to obtain by replacing these windows. On a motion by Jerry Niezgodski with a second by Linda Riley Vote: 5-0 COA 2009-1015 was approved as presented with a unanimous vote 0 L'