10/11/2017 MINUTES - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Preservation Services recommends the retention and repair of original windows whenever possible. We believe that the repair and weatherization of existing wooden windows is more practical than most people realize, and that many windows are unfortunately replaced because of a lack of awareness of techniques for evaluation, repair, and weatherization. Wooden windows which are repaired and properly maintained will have greatly extended service lives while contributing to the historic character of the building. Thus, an important element of a building's significance will have been preserved for the future. Chairman Dux went on to explain the Design Standards for the Paris Historic District talk about the windows and types of replacements. Commissioner Dux asked for clarification as to the type of windows being vinyl, or vinyl clad wooden windows Ms. Daniel was proposing. Ms. Daniel confirmed that the application was for vinyl clad wooden windows. Commissioner Dux said he had driven by and noticed that some of the windows looked original, in which Ms. Daniels stated 10 years ago the windows were bricked up, and that when the bricks were removed all that was left was some rotten pieces of frames, and so they replaced all of the windows 10 years ago. She told the commission the windows don't open and close, they weren't done well, they are not insulated, single pane glass, but they did what they could afford at the time, and now they want make them better. Commissioner Dux also had an article from the magazine "This Old House " with information comparing window types with substitute materials, noting the defects of vinyl windows. He asked her if she would be willing to withdraw her application and review the information and come back to the commission. He let her know most preservation commissions wouldn't allow vinyl of any type. Ms. Daniel stated that she had the vinyl windows approved on the front of her building several years ago, and it was her understanding that this was allowed. There was more discussion on windows panes requested by Ms. Daniel, appropriate divided light panes, scale, size and dimension of the windows and the windows on the buildings next door. Ms. Daniel said she had talked to the HPO, and had been told that divided light panes that had divider mullions sandwiched between two pieces of glass would not be acceptable, so they were going with single pane over .single pane window as pictured. Commissioner Dux said he understood that there may have been some confusion if in the past vinyl clad windows had been approve. He also stated there are also some nuances about aluminum windows in the standards being allowed if they are powder coated. Ms. Daniel said it is incredibly frustrating as a business owner and someone that is trying to do something good to her building, and there seemed to be some changes in the commission decision process, because the first time they had to spend an extra $4000 to get vinyl clad windows instead of aluminum windows, and now this time it is different standard. She also stated that she was told originally that the rear of the building didn 't fall under the purview of the commission, but now recognizes this has changed too. She also stated that she wouldn't have done any work without a COA had she known the back of the building was in the purview, because she is a supporter of downtown and tries very hard She felt as if some misunderstandings were being held against her. Commissioner apologized to Ms. Daniel for any misunderstandings and told her nothing was being held against her. Commissioner Hider asked if it would be reasonable to make an