WELLESLEY HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
TUESDAY MARCH 21, 2006
REGULAR MEETING
PLANNING BOARD OFFICE, TOWN HALL
Members Present: |
Edwina McCarthy, Laura Glen, David Smith, Carolyn Morris, Ellen Watts and Meghan Conlon |
Also Present: |
Stephen Borrelli |
Chairman Edwina McCarthy called the meeting to order at 6:45 pm.
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6:45pm. |
17 Cottage Street |
Window Replacement |
HDC 01-06
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Mr. Stephen Borrelli, representing Dawn Balcazar, came before the Commission for review of an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace windows on the second and third floors of 17 Cottage Street. The window replacement includes the removal of the upper and lower window sashes, as well as the aluminum combination windows. The replacement windows proposed are Marvin wood interior-aluminum clad exterior inset double hung windows. The divided lite pattern would match the existing two over two pattern. All of the replacement windows would have insulated low E II with Argon glass.
The Commission began the discussion by questioning why some windows appear to have black trim. Mr. Borelli noted the black trim indicates where Ms. Balcazar, the property owner, has removed the storm windows. Mr. Smith noted that the first floor windows would not be replaced at this time, but questioned if the windows on the first floor would be replaced over time. Mr. Borelli noted he was unsure of the time frame for the first floor replacements.
Ms. McCarthy asked the Commission if they felt the replacement was appropriate. Mr. Smith questioned the design of the windows original to the house. Mr. Borrelli stated wood windows with single pane divided 2 over 2 lites were original to the house. Mr. Borelli noted the exterior of the new windows would be clad in white aluminum.
Mr. Smith asked if the windows are available without aluminum cladding on the exterior finish. Mr. Borrelli stated the windows are available. Mr. Borrelli noted Ms. Balcazar does not want a combination window, which would include a storm window. Wood windows with just a screen window would not last with the exposure to the elements unless the maintenance is kept up and the windows are painted frequently. Mr. Borrelli noted Ms. Balcazar want low maintenance windows and felt Marvin are a good selection for the house.
Ms. Watts noted to absolutely preserve the district we would require an all wood sash and would not allow for Low E II glass in the windows. She questioned why all of the windows are not being replaced at this time. Mr. Borrelli indicated cost concerns limited the number of windows being replaced.
Ms. Watts stated she is in favor of modern technologies that preserve the look of historic architecture, but noted her reservation with the Low E II glass in the proposed windows. She stated she would feel more comfortable if all the windows facing a public way were replaced with the Low E II glass so the windows would all read the same. Ms. McCarthy noted the porch shades three of the front windows.
Ms. Watts questioned the number of windows that are being replaced. Mr. Borrelli stated between 17-19 windows would be replaced.
The Commission having established the proposed window replacement meets the criteria for a Certificate of Appropriateness moved, seconded, and voted unanimously to:
“Approve the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness for the proposed window replacements located at 17 Cottage Street as presented with the hope and encouragement that the property owner will finish the full replacement and use the exact same window replacement on the first floor to maintain the continuous and uniform nature of the home.”
The Commission approved the minutes of 01/10/06 and 02/07/06.
The Commission adjourned at 7:45 pm.
Meghan Conlon, AICP
Town Planner
Minutes Approved: 7/11/06
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