Design Review Board

Level 2: Major alteration of an existing building/structure

8-D-24-DT

Staff Recommendation

The Board should discuss any solutions to mitigate the inappropriate replacement windows and the removal of internal trim, or approve the installed windows-after-the-fact.


Location
310 S. Gay St.

Owner
Double Black Swan LLC

Applicant Request
After-the-fact review of windows installed that do not meet COA. Windows for third and fourth stories were originally one-over-one or two-over-two, double-hung wood sash with thick wood framing between the window sashes. The scope of work under COA 8-C-22-DT included windows being replaced with new custom-built sashes to match the existing, retaining the existing framing and details. Paired, wood, double-hung windows have been installed in all fenestrations, removing the internal vertical trim elements. The windows which were originally a wider 2/2 double-hung window now hold paired 1/1 double-hung windows.

Staff Comments
The Century Building at 310 S. Gay Street is a contributing resource to the Gay Street Commercial Historic District, so the Historic Resources section of the design guidelines applies.

The previous submission windows being replaced with new custom-built sashes to match the existing, retaining the existing framing and details. Guidelines recommend duplicating design, operation, material, glass size, muntin arrangements, profiles, and trim. The installed Jeld-Wen brand 1/1 double-hung windows do not replicate the design, muntin arrangements, profiles, or trim of the historic windows which were removed. The vertical muntins of the adjoining double-hung windows do not replicate the thicker, articulated vertical trim that was originally present, and the vertical muntins do not align with the trim that remains in the stained glass windows above. Moreover, wider 2/2 double-hung windows have been replaced with paired 1/1 double-hung windows.

Replicating the vertical trim may be difficult now that it has been removed; however, the replacement windows are a significant element of the building's overall visual character. The Board should discuss any solutions to mitigate the inappropriate replacement windows and the removal of internal trim, or approve the installed windows-after-the-fact.

Case History