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STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Aate: February 16, 2017 Application Number: 2017-0216 Property Location: 813 Park Avenue Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: T-Plan/1880 Property Owner: James Hickner Landmark or District Designation: Chapin Park Local/National Register Historic District Rating: Contributing DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/ SITE: This 2 -story irregular plan house has a brick foundation. The asphalt -shingled cross gable roof with pyramidal hip roof in back has molded cornice at rake in gables. There is a small front porch. Windows are 1/1 double hung. Siding is wood clapboard. ALTERATIONS: Aluminum storm windows and door have been added, as well as concrete steps to front porch. Existing 1/1 double -hung wood windows have been replaced with new vinyl windows without COA approval. APPLICATION ITEMS: Pella 28x60 = 3 windows placed in back of house and on the sides and replace siding for (unsure of word) on kitchen wood. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: Owner replaced first floor windows on back and south side of house with improperly sized vinyl windows, filling in the remainder of each opening with OSB. One window, part of a bay window in back, was replaced with a set of French doors. Work was done without COA approval. Following conversation between owner and HPC, owner plans to remove French doors and improperly sized windows, replacing with Pella ThermaStar vinyl windows, correct size and installed in correct location, including trim to replicate existing and replacement of window crowns where applicable. Small square window that was installed in rear will be removed and opening filled with wood siding to match existing. Several second -floor windows are currently vinyl windows. Update: Work has continued on this property, contradictory to what is applied for here (see attached photos). The Building Department has issued a violation letter and ordinance violation citation. PRESERVATION SPECIALIST REPORT: On February 15, 2017 at approximately LOAM, I visited the property located at 813 Park Ave. We had received an anonymous letter stating that the owner was replacing the rear and side windows. I found that to be true. I started walking around and photographing the newly installed, improperly sized windows. A member of the work crew came out and inquired if he could assist me. I asked to see their permits for the work they were doing. He responded by handing me a cell phone with the owner of the property on the other end. The man identified himself as James Hickner. He said he was unaware that he needed Historic Preservation approval for exchange of the windows on the rear and sides. He was under the impression that he could not the front fagade but could change the other three sides. I explained to him that was not the case and in any event, he would have needed a permit to legally change the windows in any house where the cost was greater than $400. He explained that the house was his parents' house and had been vacant for 20 plus years. He knew he had to save it because it was in a district. He inquired about had we ever allowed a property to be torn down in a district. He felt that the condition of the house was going to require more money than the house was going to be worth. He said he would rather just burn it down. I told him he probably should not say that to me.