Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Signed Minutes - July 15, 2019

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July 9, 2019, I met with the owner’s representative, Mr. St. Clair at 629 Carroll. This 28 -unit apartment building is located within the Taylor’s Field Local Historic District. I photographed the exterior of the structure, each window on all three floors, and the skylights. 38 non-original wood and vinyl windows exist. All original windows had multi-pane upper sashes. I did not find any sashes that were deteriorated beyond repair. However, the main concerns with these windows are the jambs and sills. The weight pockets are flat trim construction with the “sides” being used as the interior stop. The pl ay in the sashes is quite severe and without the addition of an additional interior stop on each side and top, I do not see a feasible solution for the air gap. I did not find a single set of windows that completely had ropes as most lower sashes were with out. Secondly, the majority of the sills are dry-rotted or deteriorated beyond repair. Especially those closest to the northwest corner. At least a dozen of the sills are soft enough to put my finger into. I would ask that a clear plan on how replacements would be installed be presented. At the front of the building a bank of three windows were replaced. The original jams were removed and the new windows were installed with a minor setback from the brick face rather than centered in the frame. This left an interior “shelf” to compensate for the distance from exterior to interior walls. See photograph #106. I fear that a centered installation would leave too much of the limestone sill exposed and result in water infiltration though the walls. Steve Szaday Preservation Inspector STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: TAYLOR’S FIELD II. EXISTING STRUCTURES C. WINDOWS AND DOORS Window and door frames are in most cases wood. Brick structures have stone sills and brick lintels. In some cases where additional siding has been applied window trim has been covered. Many structures in the district have aluminum storm windows. Some houses retain wood framed 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 frame storm windows and doors painted to match the original should be used but should not damage existing frames and should be removable. If new sashes or doors are installed, the existing or original materials, design, and hardware should be used. When metal storm doors and windows 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 re-used in place. New window and door openings which would alter the scale and proportion of the building shall not be introduced. Inappropriate new window and door features, such as aluminum insulating glass combinations that require the removal of the original windows and doors, shall not be installed. Not Recommended Awnings, hoods, and fake shutters made of metal, vinyl, or fiberglass should not be used if they would detract from the exist ing character or appearance of the building. E. MECHANICAL SYSTEMS The majority of the structures within the District have oil or gas heat, and have brick chimneys through the roof. Some houses have one or two window air conditioners. Required Mechanical systems shall be placed in areas that will result in the least possible alteration to the structural integrity and physical appearance of the building. Solar collectors and TV dishes shall be placed at the rear of the property and shielded by shrubbery and landscaping. Recommended Windows air conditioners and exhaust fans should be installed at the rear or at an inconspicuous side window. Original lighting fixtures should be retained whenever possible. Prohibited Holes shall not be cut though walls or roofs to accommodate air conditioners or other mechanical equipment in areas that can be seen from the street. Not Recommended Exterior electrical and telephone cables should not be attached to the principal elevation of the building.